South Carolina is an “attorney closing state”, which means that if you are buying, selling, or obtaining a mortgage loan on real property, you must have an attorney assist you. We close residential and commercial purchases, sales, and refinances not only in Horry and Georgetown Counties, but also statewide. If it relates to real property, we can help.

Residential and Commercial Purchases

Your transaction is likely to be delayed or fall through if you do not diligently prepare for closing. Our job as your closing firm is not just to tell you where to sign once you have reached the finish line, but to guide you every step of the way from the time you sign the contract to the moment when you get the keys in your hands. We are your “full service” closing firm. We will order and review your title search to ensure that you are getting good title to the property, prepare a title insurance commitment on your behalf, order pest inspections, environmental reports, and surveys (as needed), and coordinate with the seller’s attorney so that all parties are on the same page. Finally, your closing attorney will sit down with you to go over and sign the closing documents. Those wishing to close by mail can schedule a phone call with the closing attorney to answer any questions you may have.

Residential and Commercial Sales

On the seller’s side, our job is to coordinate with the seller’s attorney, review with you the settlement statement for the closing, prepare your deed, and help resolve any other incidental issues that may arise along the way.

Refinances and HELOCs

If you have decided to refinance your existing mortgage, put a first or second mortgage on your property, or take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC), your lender will ask, “Which attorney is representing you?” We make this process simple and affordable and will work with your lender to provide them with the legal due diligence they are looking for before your loan can be approved.

Residential and Commercial Development

Our work extends not only to purchasers and sellers in the market, but also to developers. We are experienced in preparing all manner of governing documents, including declarations of covenants, conditions, and restrictions, master deeds for condominiums, rules and regulations, and bylaws for owners’ associations. We have the knowledge to help you turn raw land into the next great development on the Grand Strand.

Deeds, Leases and Other Documents

Aside from closings, we can also help you draft and review deeds and residential and commercial leases and lease assignments, prepare purchase and sale agreements for off-market transactions, and draft notes and mortgages for seller-financing arrangements or private loans. Keep in mind that any agreements relating to real property must be in writing to be enforceable, so before you “shake on it”, give us a call.

Highlights of Our Real Estate Practice

• Land Acquisitions: Guided the purchase of several hundred acres of land on Pamlico Sound in North Carolina.


• Shopping Centers: Represented clients in acquiring shopping centers with national, regional, and local tenants.


• Residential Subdivisions: Facilitated the development of single-family subdivisions ranging from 39 to 400 lots.


• Hotels: Handled the acquisition and conversion of a 220-unit oceanfront hotel.


• Condominiums: Supported the development of condominium projects with unit counts from 42 to 330.


• Golf Courses: Managed the acquisition and sale of four golf courses valued at $32 million.


• Owner Representation: Ongoing legal support for the owner of a major destination shopping center.

At NSM, we combine legal experience with a deep understanding of the real estate market to deliver tailored solutions for our clients. Whether you are an individual buyer, a seasoned developer, or a business owner, we are here to help you navigate the complexities of real estate law and achieve your objectives. Contact us today to discuss your real estate needs.