Buying a home can be a complicated process for homebuyers with many different people involved from the first moment you tour a home to the last moment when you get the keys. One key player in the process is your title company. They are a neutral third party that facilitates the transfer of property ownership from the seller to the buyer. They manage the title process by ensuring the property title does not have any unexpected legal claims or liens before the property changes ownership. Many first-time homebuyers are unaware of title agencies and their role in the home-buying process. Most first-time homebuyers let one of the real estate agents involved in the deal pick the title company. However, homebuyers have total say in the title company they use, and shopping around for the right title agent can help you get a lot more out of the homebuying experience. You have the right to select your own title company, and making an informed choice can protect your interests and improve your homebuying experience.

Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase of your life. Don’t just accept the default title company — you have the right to shop around for the best option. Service, pricing, and even discounts can vary widely, so take control of the process and choose the agency that best fits your needs.

 Here are a few tips to help homebuyers get more out of their title agency.

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Shop around

Many real estate agents will often try to shuffle you through the closing process quickly, and most of the time, that means having you work with their title company. Many buyers believe that you must go through the title company that the real estate agents work with, but this is not true. You have a right in the state of Arizona to pick which title company you want to work with. Section 9 of The Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) states explicitly that a seller cannot require the buyer to use a particular title insurance company as a condition of the sale.  A home is the biggest purchase of your life, so take control of the process and shop around to find the best title company for you. Don’t just go with the default. Compare multiple agencies because service, quality, communication, and fee structures can vary widely.

If you are interested in going with your agent’s title recommendation, ask if they receive compensation through a joint-venture title company. These partnerships are common, but it’s essential to know if your agent is financially benefiting from steering your business in a particular direction. There is nothing wrong with an agent recommending whom they think you should work with, but they should disclose any financial partnership they have with the title agency they want you to work with.

You can choose to work with a joint-venture title company, but remember that you are never obligated to work with them. If your agent says that you are, then that is a red flag.

Insist on price transparency

The first thing you should always ask your title agency is “What are my up-front costs?” Then you need to ask them for an itemized breakdown of all their fees. Price transparency is everything because an agency that is upfront and honest about its pricing is likely a reputable organization. When they give you that itemized list of fees, a good agent will be happy to explain every line item on it. They should be willing to answer every question you have in detail and break it down in plain language for as long as you need.

The list should include fees such as title insurance premiums, closing/settlement fees, title search/exam fees, recording fees, and notary fees.

In Arizona, insurance rates are regulated by the Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions, which means that the state must approve all title company insurance rates. This means all insurance rates should be similar, so the difference in pricing will be in service fees.

Lastly, your initial quote should not be much different than the final quote you pay. The price may vary slightly due to final taxes, but you should receive a similar amount to the initial quote. Don’t work with a title agency that will add last-minute fees. The transparency will be in how the agency handles extra service fees and not the premium itself.

Communication is key

Considering that rates for the title industry are set, you won’t get a significant variation in pricing beyond fees. This means that customer service is everything in this industry, and a good title company will do everything in its power to ensure consistent communication with you. A good title agency should respond to your calls and emails promptly, keep you updated without requiring follow-up, explain documents and fees in plain language, and coordinate smoothly with your agent, lender, and the seller.

If it is difficult for you to get in touch with them, it is likely also challenging for the seller, your lender, and your agent to reach them.

Poor communication can cause closing delays, risk your mortgage rate lock, and even jeopardize the purchase of your home.

 Buying a home is likely the biggest purchase of your life. It is essential to remember that you have a voice in selecting the title company that best meets your needs and protects your interests.

Author: Braydon Dennis is the Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Great American Title Agency, which provides escrow services, title services, and marketing solutions with locations across The Valley. He’s been in the title industry for over 10 years. Great American Title Agency has been voted the number one title company for 17 consecutive years by Ranking Arizona Voters.