Master-In-Equity:

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Contact Person:

Joy Henderson


Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1236
Conway, SC 29528


Physical Location:

Government & Justice Center
1301 Second Avenue
Conway, SC 29526


Office Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday through Friday
Phone: 843.915.5310
Fax: 843.915.6310

Functions:

The Horry County Office of Master-in-Equity or Equity Court is a division of the South Carolina State Circuit Court. The Master-in-Equity decides issues involving real estate such as foreclosures, partitions and contracts. However, the Master may hear any case referred to him by the Circuit Court. Cynthia Graham Howe was appointed the Horry County Master-In-Equity in late March 2009, and began her duties on April 1, 2009.

Frequently Asked Questions:

When are foreclosure sales held?
The first Monday of each month unless it is a holiday and then the sale will be the first Tuesday of the month.

If I purchase a property at the sale and pay my 5% down then find something wrong with the property and don't comply with the balance of my bid, what happens to the 5% deposit I made?
If you do not comply with the balance of your bid you lose the 5% down payment you made.

What does deficiency demanded and the sale will remain open of 30 days mean?
When we have the original sale, if the deficiency is demanded, the property sale will remain open for a period of 30 days. Then we have an upset bid sale, wherein someone can come in and bid more than the origial bidder and purchase the property. However, if you are the successful bidder at the first sale, you will not be allowed to bid at the upset bid sale. Also, you must bid more than the amount which was bid at the original sale and you can not underbid.

Common Terms:

Foreclosure: to foreclose a mortgage which is in arrears

Forfeit: to lose the right to through some error

Deficiency: inadequacy; a shortage

Equity Court: justice according to natural law or right

Interesting Facts:

Under the English system of jurisprudence, courts which would administer justice according to equity were termed "Courts of Chancery". These courts were distinct from the common law and empowered to decree equity or fairness between the parties. Today the master-in-Equity Courts are an outgrowth of the English system.

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