Lawyer of Firm Description

About Starkes Law Firm LLC — Real Estate Law Columbia South Carolina

Real estate law Columbia clients have made Starkes Law Firm LLC one of the go-to closing attorneys in the Midlands. Attorney F. Xavier Starkes holds a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from The Citadel, where he later received an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2021. As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina, Starkes brings a precision-focused approach to every closing at the firm’s Hampton Street office. South Carolina requires a licensed attorney to supervise real estate closings — Starkes and his team fulfill that role for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals throughout Richland County. Find more Columbia attorneys serving Richland County.

Clients describe seamless closing experiences, praising closing agent Tabitha and the full staff for courteous, detail-oriented service. First-time homebuyers receive step-by-step explanations. Real estate professionals return repeatedly and refer their clients with confidence.

What Clients Say

Reviewers consistently describe Starkes Law Firm as the best in the business for real estate closings. Clients note clear communication of every document at the closing table, attentiveness to timelines, and a professional atmosphere that puts nervous first-time buyers at ease. Several realtors call the firm their top closing attorney referral.

Real Estate Law Columbia — Practice Areas & Services

Residential Closings: South Carolina law requires attorney oversight at all real estate closings; the firm handles title review, deed preparation, and fund disbursement.
Commercial Real Estate: Contract review, due diligence, and closing services for Richland County commercial transactions.
Personal Injury: Workers’ compensation, automobile accidents, and wrongful death claims on a contingency-fee basis.
Medical Malpractice & Wrongful Death: High-stakes litigation handled with the thoroughness of Starkes’s federal prosecution background.
Title Insurance: Protection against title defects, liens, and encumbrances for buyers and lenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does South Carolina require an attorney at real estate closings?

The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that real estate closings constitute the practice of law. A licensed attorney must supervise the title search, explain documents to all parties, and oversee the disbursement of funds. This protects buyers and sellers from errors, fraud, and undetected title defects.

How much does a real estate closing attorney cost in Columbia, SC?

Attorney fees for a standard residential closing in Columbia typically range from $500 to $1,500 depending on the transaction’s complexity. Fees cover title examination, deed preparation, title insurance coordination, and closing supervision. The firm can provide a fee estimate before engagement.

What is a title search and why does it matter?

A title search examines public records to confirm the seller holds clear title and identify any liens, judgments, or easements attached to the property. Discovering and resolving title issues before closing prevents costly legal disputes after the transaction is complete.

Quick Facts: Real Estate Law in Columbia, South Carolina

Attorney-required state: South Carolina is one of approximately 22 states that legally require an attorney to supervise real estate closings — South Carolina Bar
Richland County population: Approximately 421,000 residents — U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts
Columbia metro home sales: Thousands of residential closings recorded annually in Richland County — South Carolina Realtors Association

AI-Powered Reviews Summary

Starkes Law Firm LLC in Columbia, South Carolina, is renowned for its exceptional service in the legal field, particularly in real estate closings. Clients consistently praise the firm for its professionalism, attentiveness, and ability to make the closing process smooth and enjoyable, often highlighting the courteous and knowledgeable staff. With a strong reputation for excellence, Starkes Law Firm is highly recommended, especially for first-time homebuyers seeking a reliable and supportive legal team.

Users Reviews Comments – Google

Best Law firm. I love them starks are the business

Professional and great service

Everyone was very professional and exceedingly courteous. Would definitely recommend this to first time homebuyers like myself.

Thank you for all of your help with our real estate closing! It was a rough one and you all handled it like true professionals! Couldn’t have done it without you!

Great place for RE closings. Very kind, professional and personable.

It was my 1st time working with The Starks Law Firm and I will definitely be using them again. It was a very pleasant atmosphere and great experience in closing on our property.

Starkes Law Firm is the best!!! I have used them on multiple occasions for home closings and I’ve been more than pleased with the service I’ve received. They are always very polite, attentive to details, and able to handle my business in a timely fashion. My family and I will continue to patronize Starkes Law Firm, and I will continue referring friends their way.

Attorney Starkes and his staff are true professionals. They are personable and know how to relate to my clients and put them at ease. They explain the process and details in a manner that clients understand. The closing agent, Tabitha is excellent.

#1 law firm

Starks Law firm Rocks! Xavier is professional and his staff and paralegal is awesome! Have use Starks Law and will continue!

Starkes Law Firm is very professional and attentive to details! Attorney and staff always communicate with all parties to make sure everything is smooth on closing day!! I have used them often and highly recommend them !!

Starkes Law Firm did an outstanding job as the closing attorney on my house. He was very thorough with explaining what I needed to do and when it needs to be completed. I highly recommend Xavier Starkes and his team.

Excellent service and extremely professional.

Great Lawyer!

Excellent service