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Title Companies Are Not Created Equal

By
Real Estate Agent with eXp Realty

 

I have faced some recent challenges with regard to title issues.  Admittedly, this is new territory for me.  In the past, clearing up title concerns have been of the routine variety, you know, no liens by municipalities, water/sewer, affidavit of name verification.  But when you are dealing with property that has been transferred via will or deed because of a death it can get tricky.

I make it a practice to either order a pre-listing preliminary title or order the title soon after listing the property.  This is just the way I was taught 11 years ago and I haven't changed that practice (thank God). One title company may show that all paperwork has been properly documented and recorded while another may have a lengthy punch list to work through to clear the title.  Just like lenders and closing attorneys, when we find ones that have proven records of closing transactions, we can get just a little comfortable and perhaps so do they. After my recent experiences, I'll be extra careful to order a preliminary pre-listing title and if issues surface, I'll also be sure to check other sources, not to skirt the issues, but rather as a system of checks and balances to make sure nothing has been overlooked.

 

photo credit: AJC1 Feedback checklist via photopin (license)

 

 

Comments (8)

Colleen Fischesser Northwest Property Shop
NextHome Experience - Chelan, WA
A Tradition of Trust in the Pacific NW since 1990!

Both Title and their Escrow departments. No two are alike, from their reports to their closing services. It takes an experienced eye to be able to know when one is lacking in any particular area. 

Aug 07, 2017 09:56 AM
Brenda Mullen
RE/MAX Associates - San Antonio, TX
Your San Antonio TX Real Estate Agent!!

Title companies are so important and having ones you trust is imperative.  I have a few that I trust and go through whenever possible.  When title issues come up, I need to know I have an experienced Title Rep that can get things done!

Aug 07, 2017 01:08 PM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Charita - It is a rare event when we have a title issue, but that is when we see the difference in title companies - and why we have stuck with the same one for the last 13 years. They work hard to make things right when they go sideways - some others, not so much.

Aug 07, 2017 03:29 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Charita lately my last three or four Transactions all had Title issues.... and I was wondering the same thoughts....is it the Title Co? Endre

Aug 07, 2017 04:01 PM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

For sure Colleen.  These most recent experiences have taught me some valuable lessons.

Brenda, I'm glad you mentioned about the Title rep.  The rep that i used to use frequently had left the company and it wasn't until I ordered the second title that I located her.  She is really good.

 

 

Aug 07, 2017 06:34 PM
Charita Cadenhead
eXp Realty - Birmingham, AL
Serving Jefferson and Shelby Counties (Alabama)

Dick, I was dealing with a rep that I had not dealt with before.  I'm not saying they are/were not competent, but the rep that I previously worked with was excellent.  I think that had a lot to do with the degree of resolving the challenges.

Endre, were all 3 or 4 of them with the same company.

Aug 07, 2017 06:39 PM
Peter Mohylsky, Beach Expert
PMI. Destin - Miramar Beach, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

Good information, thanks for sharing this insight into some very good business practices.

Oct 17, 2017 03:09 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

So many sellers, these days, are selling a home that is owned in their family trust. It is important that we know this information up front so that the listing contract can reflect the proper legal name of the seller. We work with a title company that will provided this information within an hour so not to hold up a pending appointment with the seller.

Jul 04, 2018 01:48 PM