Choosing the Right Title Company

Research Title Companies in Your Area

You need to find a title company that is local to you. Since title companies serve the needs of local real estate, you’ll want a company that does business in the area where you own or are looking to purchase property. You should also see if they have an office which is convenient for you to attend the closing.

Once you have found a few companies in your area, review their websites and make sure they look like a reputable company. You should also see if they are insured and licensed to do business in your state.

Finally, before choosing a title company, contact them (or just walk into one of their offices) and ask about their fees for services such as property searches, closing costs, etc. Find out how long they have been in business and ask if they have any specialties related to the kind of property you are trying to purchase (commercial properties can be very different from residential properties).

Call the Company and Ask Specific Questions

Once you have a short list of potential title companies, it’s time for the next step: calling them. This can be intimidating for some people, but this part of the process is vital to selecting a good fit—like any other business relationship, it’s important to make sure both parties are on the same page when it comes to expectations and responsibilities.

It helps to write down your questions beforehand so that you don’t get flustered or forget important things. Questions should include: how long the company has been in operation; what sort of experience they have with transactions similar to yours; and if there are any special requirements that either their office or an outside firm will need to meet before closing on your transaction.

Meet With a Sales Representative

It’s important to meet with a title company representative in person to get a sense of whether you trust them and want to work with them. You can begin by asking to see a sample title report, so that you can get an idea of what they’re capable of. While you’re there, ask questions about their costs and experience. It’s also wise to ask specific questions about their customer service, expertise in your area, online services, and if they have been insured. If your time is limited or meeting in person isn’t practical for some reason, these questions work well on the phone as well!

A real estate title company is there to help you navigate the legal and financial aspects of buying a home. They research the history of your property and confirm you have clear ownership, so no one can come in later and claim that they actually own one hundred percent of your house. They’re also there to ensure that every document is prepared and every financial transaction is completed properly when it comes time to close on your home.

A skilled real estate title company will make sure that everything goes smoothly all the way through closing. You want them on your side!