Realtors and Title Companies: How They Work Together

July 10, 2022

Buying a home is a big investment. Therefore it's only normal to want to understand every aspect of the process and know what to expect from every individual or company you've hired to help close the transaction.

To help you clear any doubts about the ins and outs of the closing process, we will explain through this article the realtor's and title companies' responsibilities throughout the closing and how your realtor can benefit from working together with us.

WHAT DOES A REALTOR DO DURING THE CLOSING PROCESS?

Provide Representation

During the entire real estate transaction, your agent's main responsibility is to represent you, acting in your best interest. This is due to the fiduciary duty imposed by law to real estate agents and all professionals who act financially on their client's behalf.

Give a Final Walk-Through of the Property

Before funds and deed exchange hands, a good real estate agent will ask you to accompany him on a final walk-through of the property as close as possible to the closing date to verify all issues found during the inspection have been taken care of, and there are no new signs of damage that might jeopardize your investment.

Review the Paperwork and Guide You Throughout the Process

When present during the signing appointment, your agent will review the paperwork to ensure everything is in order and make sure you fully understand every document before the deal is finalized.

Spot and Correct Errors

With your best interest in mind, your realtor will review every document, from the deed to the settlement sheet, to make sure no errors were made. A detail-oriented realtor will spot any mistakes and help correct them to ensure a successful end to the transaction.

Make Sure All Terms are Satisfied

Finally, your real estate agent must make sure that all contractual terms, conditions, and agreements have been satisfied before the ownership is transferred. Conditions such as specific closing payments from each of the parties or an agreement to sell fixtures and appliances could be details your realtor must keep an eye on.

WHAT DOES A TITLE COMPANY DO DURING THE CLOSING PROCESS?

Perform a Title Search and Issue Insurance

One of the responsibilities your title company will have is to perform a title search, where public records will be searched for signs of errors, liens, encumbrances, and easements. The property's boundaries will be verified and the chain of title will be investigated for signs of forgery, impersonation, or missing heirs.

Once the title search is done and no defects were found —or if found, were settled— the title company issues title insurance for your property in order to protect you from any financial loss or cost derived from your property's past owners.

Handle Escrow

Some title companies, like Key Title and Escrow, also offer escrow services. An escrow company serves as a neutral third party between the buyer and seller, that holds and manages the funds and all documents related to the closing of the property until all obligations are fulfilled.

Oversee the Closing Process

Just like your realtor, your title company will also be responsible for overseeing and guiding you throughout the closing process. Your title company will review all documents such as the deed, seller's affidavit, bill of sale, transfer taxes, loan notes, mortgage, and all other documents. Then, they'll be responsible for filing all the paperwork to legally record the transaction.

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING TOGETHER

Having outlined both realtors' and title companies' responsibilities throughout the closing process, it's easy to see how a good working relationship between both parties can significantly contribute to a quick and hassle-free closing. Here are a few benefits your realtor can gain from working together with the right title company:

Efficiency

The right title company can help your agent close your real estate transaction efficiently and without delays. At Key Title & Escrow we've served the real estate industry for over 24 years, a time in which we have proven once and again we can deliver quick and efficient closings. Plus, we offer an array of services that allow us to quickly and comprehensibly handle your closing.

Compliance

The right title company will know and be up to date with laws that regulate the real estate industry in your state and can help your realtor work on full compliance. With over 24 years of serving the real estate business in Florida, we have the knowledge and experience to help your realtor comply with all regulations and guidelines, and will notify him whenever a new regulation is released by the proper agencies.

Reliability

The right title company is one you and your realtor can count on when needed. With a reputable and experienced title company like ours by your side, you can count on us to be there, willing to handle any issue that might arise. Plus, we have the resources to serve all throughout the state of Florida, including weekends and after-hours.

If you found this article useful and are looking for the right title to work with your realtor, just give us a call at (305) 235-4571 or toll-free at (800) 547-0006. You can also fill out the Contact us form on this page and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We will be more than happy to help you have a quick and smooth closing.