December 2021

Solar Panels By: Scott Umstead Click here to Print Article Solar Panel Purchase/Lease Plans and How They’re Handled at Closing     The existence of solar panels will probably not be found in a title search because solar panel agreements are not recorded at the courthouse.  Solar panels very definitely should be addressed in the transaction […]

Tenant Estoppel By: Scott Umstead What is a Tenant Estoppel?     A “tenant estoppel” is a document signed by an existing tenant in which the tenant acknowledges certain things about the status of the lease and the landlord-tenant relationship.  It is significant because a purchaser of the property will step into the seller’s shoes and

Electronic Signatures By: Scott Umstead Are Electronic Signatures Binding?    First, let me explain the controlling law.  A version the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act was adopted in South Carolina several years ago and appears as SC Code §26-6-10 et seq.  This Act governs electronic signatures, which are defined in the Act as “an electronic sound,

Allowable V. Non-Allowable Costs By: Scott Umstead What Are FHA/VA Allowable v. Non-Allowable Costs?    “Allowable” and “non-allowable” are terms unique to FHA and VA loans (also USDA, but we don’t see many of those).  An “allowable” cost in a VA loan is a cost the veteran is allowed to pay, whereas a “non-allowable cost”

Tax Sale Deed By: Scott Umstead What is a Tax Sale Deed?   A “tax deed” is issued by the Delinquent Tax Office – it is not a warranty deed and title is not deemed to be either “marketable” or “insurable.”  You own the property subject to any imperfectionsin the tax sale process.  The tax