How to Choose a Title Company

I was just reading an agent's response to how to choose a title company on Zillow that made my toes curl. One idea even included checking the Yellow Pages! Yellow pages? Seriously? 

Just an FYI, your title company is providing you insurance on the title to your home or commercial building. I would imagine you would want them financially strong enough and efficient not to default on paying your claim should it come to that, or screwing up your vesting, or recording the wrong documents. Any of the aforementioned maladies could expose you to a scenario like someone knocking on your door, telling you that they own your home that you've been paying on, and to please move out quietly, or there will be trouble. The American Land Title Association (ALTA) offers guidelines. 

First American, Fidelity National and LandAmerica are the three largest financially. Many escrow and real estate agents have working relationships with these companies through reps that call on their local businesses. The financial strength of the big three makes them big targets for law suits, so you best believe their research and contracts are tight. 

The key is finding a good title officer that works for one of these larger firms or one of their affiliates.  An escrow company would be the best place to look for a title company referral. The good ones do thousands of real estate transactions per month, and know who the good reps are and how to reach them. Most real estate agents aren't close enough to a volume of closings to know, or form their opinion on a closing that missed a Friday 5pm deadline that had nothing to do with the company or the rep, but the lender wiring funds on time. Escrow officers have the inside scoop.  

Let me know if I can help.

Frank Codispoti, Realtor

REMAX TerraSol
714-584-5509

Looking for real estate services? If you, or a friend or relative is looking for a new home, commercial building or lease, have them give me a call at (714) 584-5509, or send me an email at frank@resusa.org. There are a variety of listed and unlisted opportunities for investors and first time home buyers alike. Let me know how I can help.