How to Chose a Title Company
Choosing the right title company to handle your sale or refinance can mean the difference between a smooth and rapid closing or a complicated, delayed closing, fraught with anguish. Most often the buyer will choose the closing agent in Missouri but whoever it is, there are several important criteria which should be considered.
This choice will be one of the most important steps in the closing process. The title company will monitor conditions of your instructions, and they will keep your funds safely deposited in an escrow account. They will strive to be as confidential as possible, answer your questions, and clear up any title problems which may arise.
The first criteria is the reputation of the company in the community. There are good title companies and then there are great title companies. Ask friends, neighbors. colleagues who they have worked with. Check with the Better Business Bureau.
The second criteria to look at the experience of the title company you are choosing. Find one that has been in business for over ten years. Anything short of ten years throws up a red flag.
The next criteria is location. While this criteria is important it is not the end all be all. Some title companies will come to you or the agents office if you let them know ahead of time. In the internet age, look for a title company that has a web presence. Some title companies have websites developed where you can track the order of your title work and view closing documents ahead of time in the comfort of your home.
The final criteria is to consider is the fee. In Missouri, rates are filed with the state but there are cost involved with closing loans. Some title companies quote low rates but add lots of junk fees. If you don’t know which questions to ask you might get burned.
With that being said, I have found that Franklin County Title Company, located in Union, Missouri to be the best title company located near St. Louis. Check out their site here.