South Carolina contract deadlines and disclosures
A quick checklist for South Carolina agents, from signed contract to closing. Use it as a starting point: your signed contract always wins.
The contract
Most residential deals use the Contract to Buy and Sell Real Estate (SC REALTORS), published by SC REALTORS. Closings are usually handled by a closing attorney.
Typical deadlines
Days are common starting points, not rules. Many are negotiated in every contract.
| Deadline | Typical timing | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Contract fully signed (Effective Date) | When the last party signs (day 0) | |
| Due diligence fee to the seller | At signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Earnest money delivered | 2 business days after signing | |
| Loan application | 5 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Due Diligence Period ends | 14 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Appraisal contingency | 21 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown. Only if your contract includes it |
| Financing (loan approval) contingency | 30 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Title commitment delivered | 14 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Title objections | 5 days after Title commitment delivered | Only if your contract includes it |
| HOA / condo resale documents delivered | 10 days after signing | Only if your contract includes it |
| Closing | 35 days after signing | Set in each contract; typical shown |
| Final walkthrough | 1 day before Closing | |
| Possession | Same day as Closing |
Disclosures and required forms
Required: Residential Property Condition Disclosure Statement before signing (S.C. Code 27-50)
If it applies: Lead-based paint disclosure (built before 1978)
If it applies: Beachfront / coastal disclosures (confirm with your broker)
Money at closing
Transfer tax: Deed recording fee $3.70 per $1,000 (0.37%); the seller customarily pays. (confirm with your broker)
Sellers who live out of state: South Carolina withholds 7% of the gain (5% for companies) unless the seller signs a residency or exemption affidavit (Form I-295). (confirm with your broker)
Good to know
A South Carolina attorney must supervise the closing.
A missing disclosure doesn't void the contract or delay closing, but the seller must correct inaccuracies before closing.
Let Reta track it for you
Upload your signed contract and Reta builds this timeline with your real dates, reminds you before each deadline, and drafts the emails to your client, lender and title for you to approve. Your first deal is free.
This guide is general information for licensed agents, not legal advice. Rules and forms change; confirm with your broker or a local attorney. Last checked 2026-11-10.