My contract on a house was just accepted and I was curious to know who chooses the title company?

Question

Should I go with my realtor's recommendation?

Answer 1

Seller has to prove title. The buyer can get a new title company if they dont agree with your pick. Its called a split closing.

You both get to choice. Normally its easier if you choice the same company but you dont have too. The buyer gets to pick who they are paying for the title insurance, but you get to pick how you prove you are on title. Plus you will pay a title fee at both places.

Pick where you want, but normally the fees will always be the same. Your title fees are not going to change much from one to the other. Take the title company your agent tells you, or just pick somebody you know. The buyer and sellers dont have to close at the same title company.

Answer 2

Generally the buyer's mortgage company will have a list of approved title companies which they use to complete mortgage transactions. The seller can put a stipulation in the purchase contract that a certain title company must be used, but this often holds up the loan process. The best bet for a title company is to have the buyer's mortgage company choose.

Answer 3

You may as well. Sometimes the realtors get kickbacks for recommendations, but from my experience all title companies are pretty much equal in price/service.

Just FYI - you and the seller do NOT have to use the same title company.

Answer 4

Buyer ALWAYS chooses the title company- and yes take your Realtors recommendation especially if they have been dealing with the same escrow officer and company.

Answer 5

Obviously things vary by locale. Where I do business, the SELLER always chooses the title company which will provide title insurance and handle the closing.

Basis for that ? In this market, the seller pays for title insurance and the title firm provides closing services at precious little additional cost. Given that the seller pays, the seller chooses.

Answer 6

Actually, you as buyer has first choice for the title company, although technically it is a joint decision between you and the buyer.

But most title companies are very similar, have similar rates and services. If you have one of your own, use them. If not, using the one recommended by the real estate agent should be fine.

Answer 7

Also in my area, the seller chooses the title company.

As a Realtor, I know who is going to make the deal come together in a timely manner, who will overnight documents, stay late, return calls, be courteous to my clients and who is working to earn the business.

And I know who isn't.

So, you may want to go with your Realtor's recommendation, there isn't much in it for them, except a smooth transaction.

Answer 8

the Buyer