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The Importance of Title Searches in Real Estate Transactions
The Importance of Title Searches in Real Estate Transactions

The Importance of Title Searches in Real Estate Transactions

You’ve found the perfect home in West Ashley, or maybe a historic property just off King Street in downtown Charleston. The offer’s accepted, the inspection went well—and now it’s almost time to close.

But what if there’s an old lien on the property? Or a dispute over ownership from decades ago? These issues don’t always show up in plain sight—but they can delay your closing or put your investment at risk.

That’s why title searches matter. At Buxton & Collie, LLC, we help buyers in Charleston neighborhoods like Mount Pleasant, Daniel Island, and downtown verify that the title is clear—so nothing stands between you and your new home.

What a Title Search Actually Does

A title search reviews public records to confirm who owns the property and whether there are any unresolved issues—like unpaid taxes, liens, or claims from previous owners. It’s a routine part of the buying process, but it needs to be done carefully. We regularly perform title searches for buyers purchasing in:

  • Downtown Charleston (including South of Broad, Harleston Village, and the French Quarter)
  • Mount Pleasant (Old Village, I’On, Carolina Park)
  • James Island and Johns Island
  • West Ashley neighborhoods near Avondale and along Savannah Highway
  • Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, and Daniel Island

Different areas can come with different legal histories—especially when dealing with older properties, historic designations, or land that’s changed hands many times over the years.

What We Look For—and Why It Matters

Even in newer developments like Carolina Park or Cainhoy Plantation, title issues can exist. Our title searches uncover:

  • Tax liens or unpaid HOA fees
  • Easements or right-of-way agreements (common in areas near marshlands or historic districts)
  • Boundary or access disputes
  • Unreleased mortgages or judgments
  • Errors in deeds or gaps in the chain of title

In areas like downtown Charleston or Sullivans Island, where property boundaries and ownership can date back centuries, these issues are more common than you might think.

How a Title Search Helps You Close Confidently

When we conduct a title search, we’re doing more than checking boxes—we’re clearing the path to closing. Here’s how we help:

  • Avoid last-minute delays by spotting and resolving problems early
  • Meet lender requirements with a clean title report
  • Ensure your legal ownership without surprises after closing

Whether you’re buying a condo near the College of Charleston or a beachfront home on Folly Road, we make sure you know what you’re getting—legally and financially.

Why Buyers Trust Buxton & Collie

Buxton & Collie isn’t just a real estate law firm—we’re part of the Charleston community. We know the ins and outs of the Charleston County Register of Deeds, the quirks of local zoning, and what to watch for in each neighborhood. With us, you’ll get:

  • Local attorneys who know the Charleston market
  • Direct communication—no middlemen
  • A thorough review that protects your long-term investment

We don’t just handle paperwork. We help you make informed, confident decisions as you move into your next chapter.

Ready to Close Without Surprises? Get in Touch with Buxton & Collie

Before you finalize your property purchase—whether it’s in Mount Pleasant, James Island, or tucked behind Broad Street—make sure your title is clean.

Contact Buxton & Collie, LLC today to schedule a consultation with a Charleston real estate attorney. We’ll walk you through the title search process and help you protect what matters most—your new home.