Certain charges on the HUD-1 closing statement are fixed and can not be adjusted.
Others - well lets just say its all up for discussion shall we!
Get to know your title agent, get to know your title charges. Educate yourself and educate your client. Saving them money by knowing the basics can help further your reputation.
Most of us know that a good bit of the Buyers charges listed on the 2nd page, 1300 section of the HUD-1 are items that can be researched and checked out and price deals worked.
Did you know that this can apply to the Seller as well? If there is an item that is being charged to either party on a HUD that can be obtained from a selection of providers or companys then logically that means if your paying your choosing right? Most people don't realize this and just leave it up to the title company to pick and apply.
How do you know your getting the best service? Or the best deal for that matter? Just because a title agent picks a service provided does not mean its always in your best interest, it just means that's the one they have chosen.
Survey, Termite, etc are all open to selection.
So why not the Municipal Lien Search - if your the paying party then you have the right to choose.
Additionally, do you know that in Florida Title Insurance Endorsements are typically not that expensive and some HUD's have shown them to be overcharged?
Estimate that on a $100,000 purchase, the title insurance is approximately $600.00 for a simultaneous issue, and the two most standard Endorsements ALTA 8.1 is only $25.00 and the Fla Form 9 is only $60.00
Have you looked at your client's HUD's lately?
Have you looked at the title commitment lately?
Pat D. Murphy, Short Sale negotiator & Researcher
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