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Recently, the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) expanded the status categories in an effort to give those agents with potential buyers the most accurate information when deciding what listings to recommend to those potential buyers. Prior to this expansion...

When completing the contract it is important that the buyer's name matches exactly how the client intends to apply for the loan and how he wants to hold title.  For example, if Jonathan David Smith is your client/buyer you need to inquire as to how he would like to...

When more than one buyer buys a house, the method in which those buyers take title to the property is an important decision. In South Carolina, the two most common methods for taking title to property that is jointly-owned is either as tenancy in common (TIC) or as...

One of the most misunderstood rules of the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS) pertains to advertising the listing before placing the property in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS).  Rule 1(b)(2) states that “all listings must be entered into the computer...

As a result of the state legislature amending Title 40 of the South Carolina Code entitled Real Estate Brokers, Salespersons and Property Managers, the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service ("CMLS") revised its Exclusive Right to Sell ("ERTS") form. I had the pleasure...

Today we begin a series of posts about the Consolidated Multiple Listing Service (CMLS). While the CMLS has been in existence since March 15, 1977 many in the industry are unfamiliar with its long history as well as some of its rules. This post will examine the...

Blair Cato Pickren Casterline is proud to announce that work has begun on renovating our new office servicing Greater Greenville. Our office will be located at 406 East Butler Road in Mauldin, South Carolina.  The office is less than a mile from Mauldin High School at...

As a real estate professional, Facebook can be your best friend or worst enemy depending on the comments, ratings and posts that your clients make about you.  A negative post can have serious repercussions on your business for months to come. While it is often...

The Central Carolina Realtors® Association recently amended its sales contract.  Many agents however are still presenting offers on the 2008 and 2011 versions of the contract. There are three salient reasons why a real estate agent should only use the most recent...

When an entity that is exempt from providing the South Carolina Seller Disclosure Form learns of a latent defect or damage in the house, does that entity now have a duty to disclose the defect or damage to a potential buyer? The short answer is, Yes. Here is why. As...

An often overlooked provision in the contract is the paragraph concerning fixtures.  Fixtures can be a tremendous area of contention between parties particularly when a seller removes an item that the buyer thought should convey with the house. When determining...

Ensuring that all owners of record sign the listing agreement is imperative. The Matter of Martinez (SC REL Case No. 2014-412) illustrates the peril of failing to follow the statute and proper procedure. Martinez was a duly licensed real estate agent located in...