Master In Equity

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 cases generally involving foreclosures, partitions, and other equity matters, such as accountings, supplemental proceedings, and any other matters involving non-jury matters in which the parties have agreed that the Master shall hear the case. The master may hear any case referred to her 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.

Horry County's foreclosure listings are hosted by the South Carolina Court System. After accepting their terms and conditions, select "Master-In-Equity" from the Roster Selection drop-down list to get the most recent list of foreclosures.

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When are foreclosure sales held?

The first Monday of each month unless that is a holiday and then the sale will be the first Tuesday of the month.

If I purchase a property at the sale, pay the 5% initial deposit, then I find something wrong with the property, what happens to my 5% deposit if I do not comply (i.e., pay the balance of my bid)?

If you do not pay the remainder of your deposit by the 30th day (compliance date), you will lose your 5% deposit.

What does "deficiency demanded" and "sale will remain open for 30 days" mean?

If "deficiency is demanded" when we have the original sale, the "sale will remain open for 30 days" for an upset bid sale. On the 30th day, we will have an additional sale, an "upset bid sale," at which someone can come in and bid more than the original high bidder, normally the lender, and purchase the property. The successful bidder at the original sale may not rebid at the upset bid sale. Even if the lender is not the successful bidder at the original sale, it may not bid at the upset bid sale. Anyone else may bid at the upset bid sale.

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

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.