Closing Costs 101: Deed Recording Fees In Greenville

You have a lot to think about on closing day, and those small line items can catch you off guard. One of the most common questions I hear is, “What exactly are deed recording fees, and who pays them?” You want a clear answer, especially if you’re buying or selling in Greenville or one of The Cliffs communities.

In this guide, you’ll learn what deed recording fees are, who typically pays which items in South Carolina, how these charges show up on your Closing Disclosure, and a simple way to estimate them for your Greenville transaction. You’ll also see what to verify with the county, your closing attorney, and your HOA before you close. Let’s dive in.

What deed recording fees cover

A deed recording fee is the charge paid to the county Register of Deeds to record your deed in the public land records. Recording places the document into the official record and puts the public on notice of ownership. In Greenville County, the Greenville County Register of Deeds is the office that collects these fees and processes the recording.

These fees are usually small relative to your total closing costs, but they are mandatory. You will see them as specific line items on your settlement statement. If you are using a Closing Disclosure, they typically appear under the “Closing Costs” section, often within “Other.” If your transaction uses a HUD-1, you will see similar labeled lines.

Who typically pays in Greenville closings

Local custom in South Carolina is straightforward, though the purchase contract controls. Here is the common breakdown:

• Seller usually pays to record the deed that conveys title to the buyer.
• Buyer usually pays to record the mortgage or deed of trust that secures the loan.
• Seller pays to record the release or satisfaction of any mortgage being paid off at closing.
• Additional documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, assignments, or plats are typically paid by the party who executes them or as negotiated in the contract.

In The Cliffs communities, there is no universal exception to those norms. However, your community’s HOA or POA may require transfer or processing fees and certain documents at closing. Those are separate from county recording fees and are assigned to buyer or seller based on the HOA’s rules and your contract. Always verify the specifics with the community management before you close.

South Carolina closings are commonly handled by closing attorneys or title companies. Your attorney will prepare the settlement statement and allocate recording charges based on local practice and your contract.

Where fees appear on your Closing Disclosure

On the Closing Disclosure, recording items are often grouped under “Other” in the “Closing Costs” section. Look for clear labels that identify who pays and who receives the funds. Common labels include:

• Deed Recording (Greenville County Register of Deeds)
• Mortgage Recording (Greenville County Register of Deeds)
• Release/Discharge Recording (Greenville County Register of Deeds)
• Transfer Taxes/Fees, if applicable in your transaction
• Recording Service or Courier Fee, if charged by your title company or attorney

Each line should show the amount, whether it is a buyer or seller charge, and the payee, which for county recording is the Greenville County Register of Deeds. This lets you quickly confirm who is paying for each document and that county charges are separate from the title company’s service fees.

How Greenville County calculates recording charges

Counties set official recording fees. The Greenville County Register of Deeds maintains the authoritative fee schedule, document requirements, and any local surcharges. Most schedules include either a flat charge, a base fee plus a per-page fee, or a combination. The final amount can change based on the total number of pages in your document, especially if your deed includes a long legal description or attached exhibits.

You may also see separate recording fees for different documents, such as deeds, mortgages, or satisfactions. These are distinct county charges. In addition, your title company or closing attorney may include a modest “recording service,” “document prep,” or courier fee. Those are not paid to the county and should be listed as title or attorney fees on your settlement statement.

Because county fee schedules can update, you should always confirm the current amounts directly with the Greenville County Register of Deeds and your closing attorney before relying on a final figure.

Estimate your deed recording costs

Use this simple approach to estimate the deed-related line items for a Greenville closing:

1. Start with the county’s official fee schedule. Locate the charge for recording a deed, then identify the charge for recording a mortgage or deed of trust if you have a loan. Note whether fees are flat or per page.
2. Estimate page counts. Deeds and mortgages can vary due to legal descriptions and exhibits. Use a conservative page estimate so your budget is realistic.
3. Add attorney or title company service charges. Include any “recording service,” courier, or document administration fees you expect to see on your Closing Disclosure.
4. Include HOA/POA items if applicable. If you are in The Cliffs, plan for transfer or processing fees if your community requires them at closing. These will be separate from county recording fees.

Illustrative example

Illustrative example — verify current fees with Greenville County Register of Deeds and your closing attorney.

• Step A: Look up the county’s fee for “Recording a Deed” and “Recording a Mortgage.”
• Step B: Estimate the pages for each. Use a conservative number to account for exhibits.
• Step C: Add your title company’s recording service or courier fee, if any.
• Step D: If the HOA charges a transfer fee, include it and identify which party will pay based on your contract.

Your attorney can generate a preliminary settlement statement that shows these charges line by line. Ask for this early so you have time to review.

The Cliffs: community-specific items

If you are buying or selling in The Cliffs communities, your closing may include HOA or POA transfer or processing fees, along with required documents. These items are separate from county recording fees. The payer can be buyer or seller based on the HOA rules and your purchase agreement. It is smart to confirm these costs with the community management well before your closing date so you can factor them into your net or cash-to-close.

Other closing costs tied to recording

Recording fees are only one part of the puzzle. You may see these related items on your statement:

• Title insurance. Owner’s and lender’s title insurance premiums are often significant line items. Local custom in South Carolina often places the owner’s policy on the buyer, but practices vary by contract.
• Release or satisfaction recording. If the seller’s mortgage is paid off, the release recording fee is typically a seller charge.
• Property tax proration. This is not a recording fee, but it will be on the settlement statement and affects your cash flow.
• Transfer or excise taxes. Some states and counties impose transfer taxes or documentary stamps. Confirm whether any apply in South Carolina or Greenville County for your transaction.
• Survey or plat recording. If you record a new survey or plat, you may incur additional recording charges.
• Escrow or impound setup. Buyers with a loan may fund escrow accounts for taxes and insurance at closing.
• Attorney or settlement fees. Your closing attorney or title company will charge for document preparation and settlement services. These are separate from the county’s charges.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

• Assuming custom equals contract. Local custom suggests who pays which fees, but your purchase agreement controls the final allocation. Always review the signed contract.
• Overlooking page counts. A long legal description or multiple exhibits can add pages and increase per-page county fees. Ask your attorney for the expected page count.
• Confusing county fees and title company fees. The county’s recording fees are distinct from any “recording service” or courier cost that your title company charges.
• Missing HOA/POA transfer fees. Out-of-area buyers and sellers sometimes forget these. Confirm with The Cliffs management early in the process.
• Waiting too long to verify. County fee schedules can change. Confirm with the Greenville County Register of Deeds shortly before closing, and ask your attorney for an updated estimate.

Action checklist before you close

• Confirm the current county recording fee schedule with the Greenville County Register of Deeds.
• Ask your closing attorney or title company for a preliminary Closing Disclosure or settlement statement that itemizes recording fees, payoff releases, title insurance, and attorney charges.
• If you are in The Cliffs, contact the community management to confirm transfer or processing fees and any required forms.
• Clarify who pays each item by reviewing your purchase agreement.
• Request the expected page counts for the deed and loan documents to refine your estimate.
• Set aside a small buffer for per-page overages or administrative service charges.

Work with a local guide

You deserve a closing that feels calm, clear, and predictable. When you understand how Greenville County recording works, you can spot the right lines on your settlement statement and avoid last-minute surprises. If you have questions about how deed recording fees and related costs will impact your move, reach out for local, hands-on guidance tailored to your situation.

Ready to plan your next steps with a trusted guide? Contact Unknown Company for help estimating your closing costs, reviewing your settlement statement, and coordinating a smooth Greenville closing.

FAQs

Who pays to record the deed in Greenville County?

• By South Carolina custom, the seller typically pays the deed recording fee, though contract terms can change this allocation. Always confirm with your purchase agreement.

Does the buyer pay mortgage recording fees in Greenville?

• Yes. Buyers typically pay to record their mortgage or deed of trust, along with any loan-related recording charges. Your lender and closing attorney will itemize these on the statement.

How can I estimate Greenville deed recording charges?

• Start with the Greenville County Register of Deeds fee schedule, estimate page counts, add title company service or courier fees, and include any HOA transfer fees if applicable.

Are there transfer taxes on Greenville real estate sales?

• Some places charge transfer or documentary taxes, but you should confirm any South Carolina or Greenville County transfer charges with your closing attorney and county resources before closing.

What should Cliffs buyers and sellers watch for at closing?

• Verify any HOA or POA transfer and processing fees, confirm document requirements, and make sure your settlement statement clearly separates county recording charges from title or attorney fees.