The State of South Carolina requires real estate closings to be supervised by a South Carolina licensed attorney. At Buxton & Collie, LLC, our commercial and residential real estate practice offers comprehensive legal counsel on a wide range of real estate matters to residential buyers and sellers, real estate owners and syndicated investors, family partnerships, rural real estate matters, developers, commercial landlords, and commercial tenants. We’d be happy to assist you with anything related to real estate law in Mt. Pleasant, S.C.
We use innovative and resourceful ideas to help clients structure and document transactions to match their business needs. Our real estate attorneys have extensive experience handling a wide variety of commercial transactions and working with owners and developers of shopping centers, mixed-use projects, hotels, apartments, office buildings, industrial and business parks, educational facilities, and timberland.
Our firm serves as settlement agent for both buyers and sellers of residential real property in South Carolina. Purchasing and selling a home is often one of the biggest decisions and transactions of an individual’s life, and our attorneys are here to make sure that the client feels comfortable and informed every step of the way. Even understanding basic real estate law in Mt. Pleasant, S.C. can give you an advantage in a transaction.
Our attorneys negotiate and structure purchase and sale agreements, form and organize ownership entities, and review title, land use planning, and regulatory issues. We represent owners, developers and investors in all aspects of commercial acquisitions and sales, mixed-use projects, retail, office, industrial developments and compliance, restrictive covenants and easement agreements.
A commercial lease is one of the most critical assets of a business. Our firm represents clients in conjunction with realtors so we can provide the best value to your organization. We have represented landlords and tenants with respect to leases, options to purchase, upfit allowances, personal guarantees, brokerage and listing agreements, development management contracts, easements, and restrictive covenants.
We coordinate title examinations and serve as counsel for real estate closings throughout South Carolina and supervise local attorneys for real estate partnerships with assets in other states. Our firm is affiliated with Chicago Title Insurance Company, one of the most highly regarded title insurance companies in the world. Our relationship with CTIC offers you access to coverage and insured risks not readily available to others.
We have represented clients in property transactions including the following:
Do I need a real estate attorney before I sign a purchase agreement?
It is often helpful to involve a real estate attorney before the purchase agreement is signed, especially in commercial transactions. An early review can help identify issues involving financing, inspection periods, due diligence, title, closing deadlines, contingencies, and future use of the property. Once a contract is signed, your options may be more limited.
What does a South Carolina real estate attorney do during closing?
A South Carolina real estate attorney helps oversee the legal parts of the closing process. This may include reviewing documents, addressing title matters, coordinating with lenders and agents, preparing or supervising closing documents, and helping the parties understand what needs to happen before the transaction is complete.
Can Buxton & Collie help with commercial real estate outside Charleston?
Yes. Buxton & Collie is based in Mt. Pleasant, but our commercial real estate work extends across South Carolina. We assist clients with transactions involving commercial property in the Lowcountry, Midlands, Upstate, and other markets where business owners, investors, developers, landlords, and tenants need legal guidance.
What should I look for before buying commercial property in South Carolina?
Before buying commercial property, it is important to review title, zoning, access, easements, leases, environmental concerns, financing terms, survey issues, restrictions, and intended use. The right due diligence depends on the property and the transaction. A real estate attorney can help you understand what to review before closing.
How is a commercial real estate closing different from a residential closing?
Residential closings often involve a home purchase or sale, a mortgage lender, title review, and standard closing documents. Commercial closings are usually more complex. They may involve entity ownership, leases, tenant rights, financing documents, development plans, easements, title objections, environmental review, and business-related issues connected to the property.
Why does title review matter in a real estate transaction?
Title review helps determine whether there are liens, ownership issues, easements, restrictions, or other matters that could affect the property. These issues can influence how the property may be used, financed, developed, leased, or sold later. Addressing title concerns before closing can help prevent larger problems after the transaction is complete.
Can a real estate lawyer help with a commercial lease?
Yes. A commercial lease can affect a business for years, so it should be reviewed carefully before signing. Important terms may include rent, renewal options, maintenance obligations, personal guarantees, upfit allowances, assignment rights, default provisions, exclusivity rights, and options to purchase. Legal review can help landlords and tenants understand the long-term impact of the lease.
When should a developer contact a real estate attorney?
A developer should consider contacting a real estate attorney early in the process, often before the land is acquired or major terms are finalized. Legal guidance can help with entity structure, purchase terms, title review, land use issues, easements, financing, restrictive covenants, and other matters that may affect the project.
Can one transaction involve both business law and real estate law?
Yes. Many transactions involve both. For example, buying a business may also involve leased space, owned property, financing, title questions, landlord consent, or a new entity structure. Buxton & Collie’s business and real estate practices work together when a matter involves both the company and the property behind it.
How do I get started with a real estate matter at Buxton & Collie?
Start by sharing the type of transaction, the property location, where you are in the process, and any important deadlines. From there, our team can review the information and help determine the appropriate next step for your residential closing, commercial transaction, lease, title matter, or development-related issue.
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