Out of State Buyers & Sellers
The Process for Out of State Buyers & Sellers
Buying or selling real property when you are not physically located in South Carolina can seem like a scary process. With the right law office, and real estate agent, it doesn’t have to be. Your first step in buying property in South Carolina is locating a property. This can be done through a local real estate agent, or you can locate a property yourself or through a family member or friend. To have access to Horry County’s MLS, listing all the homes on the market, you will need to hire a licensed SC real estate agent.
After you’ve located a property, you schedule a virtual showing through your agent. Once you’ve decided on the perfect property, you will make an offer. That offer can be prepared by your real estate agent, or our office for an additional fee.
Once the seller excepts your offer, you or your agent will send your contract to our email address RE@GrandStrandLawGroup.com or for North Myrtle RENorth@GrandStrandLawGroup.com . After we receive your signed, ratified, contract we will begin to order title work, any necessary inspections, communicate with your lender, and schedule a closing.
As the buyers attorney, we handle all of the funds to ensure all loans, taxes, and assessments are paid off. We will submit your deed to be recorded at the Horry County Court Houes and notify you when you can legally access the property.
If you have additional questions regarding the potential purchase of property in South Carolina, feel free to give us a call, (843) 492-5422 and we’ll be happy to help! See you soon on the Grand Strand!
Primary Resident Tax & Homestead Exemption
The fall always brings new colors, pumpkins, cozy sweaters, crisp air, and if you live in South Carolina property taxes. While the county tax bills rolling out in October can be a bit scary, South Carolina does offer some property tax exemptions and special assessments that we can be thankful for this November.
First is the primary resident special assessment. If you’re primary residence is in Horry County as of January 1st of the tax year, you can be eligible for the legal resident special assessment rate which is 4% as opposed to 6%. You were probably advised of this when you purchased your property. Your tax rate will appear on your tax bill and if you’re a primary resident and being taxed at the 6% rate, you may want to apply for this special assessment. To apply you must own and occupy your residence in Horry County. In order to apply at the Horry County Assessor’s office to reduce your property tax liability you’ll need your State Issued ID or Driver’s license with your resident address, your vehicle registration, and a copy of your most recently filed federal and state tax returns.
Another possible way to reduce your property tax liability is through the Homestead Exemption. Residents, age 65 and over, or 100% disabled veterans, or total Social Security Disability, may be eligible. You must have lived in South Carolina a full year as of January 1st of your year of application. To apply for this exemption, call the Horry County Auditor’s Office.