8315 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis IN 46234. 
317-214-6023

How To Find The Right Title Company

September 13, 2024

When purchasing a home, individuals don't give the title much thought, particularly if these buyers are first-time purchasers.

Normally, they focus on school districts, move-in dates, exterior and interior design, the actual move, and other potential problems. On their own, choosing paint colors or discerning the minor distinctions between floor stains need lengthy discussions. 

When everything comes together, prospective homeowners may feel so relieved that they approach unchecked boxes with a "let's just get to the finish line" mentality. 

However, the title is an important component of homeownership.   By examining and verifying the property's past, title companies validate your claim and then fight to protect your ownership.

For instance, prior owners neglected to pay their water bills; part of what a title company does is ensure you won't be responsible for it. 

Therefore, you should not only choose a title company but also, spend time looking for the right one.

But First, Let's Talk About The Basics: What Is Title Insurance?

Before we go into how to locate a title business, let's clarify what title and title insurance are. Your property's legal ownership is vouched to by its title. You own the property outright, so you are free to build a garden, add a sandbox for your kids, or landscape your lawn in any way you see suitable.

Title insurance shields you from lawsuits filed against prior owners and any disputes—someone claiming they are the property's legitimate owners, sometimes through unethical means.

Title insurance comes in two types: one is the Owner's, which protects you, and the other is the Lender's, which protects the https://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mortgage.aspmortgage company.

Lender's is almost always required unlike the Owner's; however, for your own protection, you should consider getting it, too. It will protect you as long as you own the property plus, you only need to purchase it one time.

shaking hands

Research

Now that you know the basics of a title, it's time to find a title company that suits your needs.

Google is a nice place to start, but it's not the only solution. For instance, if you type in "title company near me," the results will probably look something like this: Advertisements appear at the top, followed by reviews from Yelp, Angie's List, and the Yellow Pages.

While it's important to consider those with excellent reviews, getting to know those who helped you along the way helps as well.

For instance, talk to your lender or real estate agent. Ask if they can refer title companies they know or have usually engaged with.

When you have a strong bond or have built a good rapport with your realtor, they will likely provide reliable recommendations you can consider.

Focus On Responsiveness, Location, And Experience Other Than Cost

After selecting a few prospects, the next step is to have a shortlist of the title companies. You might focus on the price of the services, like what usually happens, and there might not be much difference. That's because it's the state and local governments who mandate the fees for title services.

Title companies may also impose additional ancillary costs, pickup fees, and closer fees (which cover the expense of physically transporting someone to the closing). Depending on the firm you select, these differences can save you hundreds of dollars, but generally speaking, they are straightforward with their pricing.

Seek out a title company that is reputable, knowledgeable, quick to respond, and local rather than focusing only on prices. 

Of these three, the first one requires no explanation. The other two are essential. You want a business that will respond to your inquiries, handle the legal process promptly, and keep you updated. That's the importance of being a local company. Different laws apply to each state, city, and county. Miles can make a big difference in title requirements in densely populated areas like South Jersey, New York, and southeast Pennsylvania. 

That said, you need a title company that completely understands your area as well as your surrounding neighborhood.

As mentioned, it's worth asking your lenders and real estate agents for referrals since they've been dealing and working with various title companies for a long time. Their guidance and support can help you land a title company that's worth your money and time.

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8315 W. 10th Street
Indianapolis IN 46234
317-214-6023

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