Real Estate Transactions in Charleston County

Collaborative Counsel for Charleston County, South Carolina Property Transactions

We guide buyers, sellers, developers, builders, and contractors through residential and commercial property transactions across Charleston County. At Bluestein Johnson & Burke, LLC, we handle the legal work from contract review through closing and ownership transfer.

We’ve served clients since 1984. Our three attorneys bring more than 40 years of combined experience to real estate matters, and all three are trial lawyers who collaborate when a transaction raises complex legal questions.

We shape our hands-on approach around the property, parties, and documents involved. Evening and weekend consultation appointments are available for real estate closing matters.

Call (843) 418-0750 to discuss your residential or commercial real estate transaction with our attorneys.

South Carolina Closings from Contract to Recording

South Carolina requires real estate and mortgage loan closings to take place under the supervision of a licensed attorney. The South Carolina Supreme Court established this requirement in its 1987 decision, State v. Buyers Service Co.

Under that ruling, preparing deeds, mortgages, notes, and other legal instruments connected to property transfers or mortgage loans constitutes the practice of law. Title examinations and abstracts completed by non-attorneys also require attorney supervision. A title review identifies liens, ownership issues, and other recorded matters that can affect a transfer.

Legal work associated with a South Carolina closing may include:

• Reviewing the purchase and sale contract
• Examining title and addressing title matters
• Preparing transaction and closing documents
• Supervising execution and disbursement
• Completing the transfer of ownership
• Submitting eligible documents for recording

When we represent a seller, our work begins with contract review and continues through title matters, closing documents, and ownership transfer. Once closing requirements have been met, transaction documents may be submitted to the Charleston County Register of Deeds, which records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents affecting local real property.

On mortgage loan transactions, South Carolina law requires the lender to ask for and honor a buyer’s preference for closing counsel. Selecting an attorney early gives the buyer a point of contact for the legal work associated with the closing.

Buyer & Seller Representation in Charleston County

Throughout Charleston County, we provide buyer representation and seller representation in residential and commercial transactions. Although buyers and sellers participate in the same transaction, their legal interests can differ, so we make our role clear from the outset.

When we represent the seller alone, our advice is directed to the seller. We don’t give an unrepresented buyer legal advice about the transaction. A buyer who wants advice focused on the buyer’s interests has the right to retain separate counsel.

Potential conflicts must be evaluated before one attorney represents multiple parties. If we’re asked to take on that role, we address the possible conflicts and each party’s right to separate counsel. Joint representation isn’t appropriate when the parties disagree about contract terms, repairs, title issues, or performance obligations.

Real Estate Services Beyond Standard Closings

Our work extends beyond closings to the legal documents and disputes that shape property ownership, development, and use.

Our real estate services include:

• Residential real estate closings
• Commercial real estate closings
• Contract preparation and review
• Lease preparation and review
• Refinancing and equity lines
• Title review and title insurance
• Covenant and restriction drafting
• Condominium and Horizontal Property Regime formation

Reviewing Title & Title Insurance

A title review examines recorded property interests and other matters that can affect ownership or transfer. We examine title and handle title insurance in connection with real estate transactions. Title insurance policies may protect different insured interests, including those of the property owner and mortgage lender.

Development & Ownership Documents

We draft covenants and restrictions and assist with the formation of condominiums and Horizontal Property Regimes. A Horizontal Property Regime is a legal ownership structure that divides condominium property into individually owned units and shared common elements.

We also handle the enforcement and interpretation of covenants, restrictions, and master deeds. These documents, along with easements and established boundary lines, can affect how property is used, accessed, transferred, or developed.

Property Disputes & Ownership Proceedings

We represent clients in property disputes and ownership proceedings, including:

• Boundary line and easement disputes
• Landlord and tenant disputes
• Foreclosure defense
• Tax sale matters
• Suits to quiet title

A suit to quiet title is a court action used to determine ownership and address competing claims against real property. We also handle condemnation and eminent domain matters, in which a government authority seeks to acquire private property for public use. Our trial-lawyer background informs how we evaluate these proceedings and disputes that arise when transaction parties no longer agree.

Discuss Your Charleston County Property Matter

Our smaller, hands-on attorney team provides personal attention tailored to the client, property, and legal issues involved. Our contact form gives you a way to describe your transaction or property concern so we can discuss the legal services that may apply.

Call (843) 418-0750 to speak with Bluestein Johnson & Burke, LLC about your real estate transaction or related property matter.