Many home sellers are not aware that they can choose their own title company to manage the closing process and even handle the actual closing. Admittedly, most real estate listing agents have formed ties with local title companies over the years and would strongly advise their clients to use that title company. However, in today’s chaotic property market, where every dollar of closing expenses, every minor delay, and every glitch in the closing process can mean the difference between getting the cheque or losing a qualified buyer, it is more critical than ever to choose a competent title company like MacGregor Abstract.
A title company performs a wide range of functions behind the scenes of a real estate transaction. It is trusted by all parties to aggregate the responsibilities outlined in the sales agreement. Some of these responsibilities include reviewing the various costs involved with transferring the property, different mortgage specifics, taxes, commissions, prepaid expenses, establishing tax and insurance escrow accounts, and more.
Do you want to know “how to sell your house with the best title company?” Here are some pointers to help you find the best company for your needs:
- Seek testimonials from friends and relatives, other real estate agents, and mortgage brokers in your area. Because title companies are similar to insurance brokers in that you do not buy insurance directly from them, the most critical factor in their reputation is their ability to answer your calls promptly and offer you reliable advice throughout the home selling process.
- Please inquire about the company’s area of expertise: new construction homes, commercial transactions, land sales, home refinances, or For Sale By Owner (FSBO). You need to be sure they can work with your unique property selling needs.
- In today’s fragile state of the national economy and the property market, it is becoming increasingly evident that the title company’s financial stability is critical. If your title company fails, you face considerable risks as a home seller. For example, if a title company goes bust before closing and holds earnest money or mortgage proceeds, the funds may be frozen while a bankruptcy court settles the accounts. Furthermore, if the title company makes an escrow error at closing and goes bankrupt, you (the seller) may have to rectify the problem.
- Finally, the fees charged by the title company must be considered. Fees for both title insurance and closing services vary by company and can be substantial. Individual title fees and additional service fees (such as those associated with closing a second mortgage) can quickly pile up. Many fees, of course, are non-negotiable and imposed by the individual county, state, or lender, such as the transfer tax, recording fees, document preparation fee, stamp tax, and so on.
When a real estate transaction goes well and without hiccups, the title company is effectively invisible and works silently in the background. Choosing the right title company for your transactions is an important decision you must make as a home seller if you want the transaction to go as smoothly as possible.
