You have worked hard to get your home ready to list, you have dealt with people coming in and out of your house for showings, you have gotten through the closing period and you are ready to sign your closing documents. Now what? When do sellers need to move out of their home?
When Do Sellers Need to Move Out of Their Home?
When is the Deed Recorded in Horry and Georgetown Counties?
In Horry and Georgetown counties of South Carolina, the keys to a home are typically not turned over to the new buyer until the Deed has recorded. Usually, the buyers and sellers will sign closing paperwork in the morning, and the Deed is recorded by the afternoon. However, some attorneys are starting to table fund. Table funding happens when the attorney’s office will disburse the seller proceeds and all other disbursements as outlined in the settlement statement as soon as they have all signed documents from both parties and all funds (either from the buyer if paying cash or the lender if the buyer is financing). If financing is involved, the attorney also has to have approval from the lender. Table funding will occur before the Deed is recorded. This also means the buyer can get the keys and take possession of the property.
Planning Your Move as a Seller
As a Seller, you need to be out of your home on the morning of closing. I would suggest having your movers come a day or two prior to closing to move your belongings. Setting up your move a few days prior to closing gives you time to account for delays or the unexpected and to get back in your home once everything is out to clean.
Planning Your Move if You are Moving Locally
If moving locally, you will not be able to get the keys to your new home until the Deed records or your attorney uses table funding. My suggestion is to expect to move in your new home the day after closing. If you can, see if you can stay with a friend or relative during this transition time. You may also want to stay at one of our local resorts and have a mini vacation!
Delays always seem to happen when we have tight deadlines. Moving out of your home a day or two early and moving in to your new home a day after closing gives you some built-in flexibility.
As always, contact me if you are interested in buying or selling in Murrells Inlet or the surrounding area or if you are interested in learning more about living at the beach.