Opening the file
Send the fully executed purchase agreement with all addenda, the earnest money details, both agents' contact information, and the lender contact if there is one.
The sooner the file opens, the sooner the search starts.
Professional guide
Real estate professionals4 min read
An Agent's Guide to Working with a Title Company
How to open a file, what we need from you, and how to keep a closing from slipping.
What we need early, not late
Share any known liens or judgments, HOA contact information and dues status, whether the property is in an estate, trust, divorce, or LLC, whether a power of attorney will be used, whether there is a second mortgage or HELOC, and any survey or unpermitted work you already know about.
Curative work is the long pole
Most delays are not the search; they are clearing what the search found. Releases, affidavits, corrective deeds, and estate paperwork move at the speed of third parties.
Flag anything unusual at open, not at the walkthrough.
Powers of attorney
Powers of attorney must be the right form, approved by the lender and underwriter in advance, and often recorded.
Never assume one will be accepted at the table. Get it reviewed days ahead.
Entity and estate sellers
An LLC needs its operating agreement and evidence of signing authority. An estate needs letters of authority and sometimes court approval.
These take days.
Wire fraud is your exposure too
Criminals target agent inboxes to learn closing dates and amounts. Never forward wiring instructions to a client, and tell your buyers to verify by phone before every wire.
Keeping the closing on schedule
- Confirm the closing date with all parties as soon as the commitment issues
- Get the buyer their Closing Disclosure timing expectations
- Keep the lender and title company talking directly
- Let us know the moment a date moves
Need a title partner for your next file?
Bring us into the conversation early so we can help keep your transaction moving.
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