Tom Wurdack

With all the recent changes and upcoming changes in the real estate lending world it is hard to keep track. An oft overlooked party in the real estate closing process is the title company. If you are buying or refinancing your property in Missouri you as a buyer have a choice in which title company to choose. To simply rely on the lender or your real estate agent to select the title company could cost you money. While it maybe convenient for them you may pay a higher price and beware, all title companies are not the same.

When you purchase a home you expect clear title to the property. A title company will search public records to determine if there are any matters that could adversely affect your interest in the property. This search, unlike other forms of insurance, hopes to eliminate any problems before they become an issue. If say for instance a long lost relative lays claim to a piece of property which you own and you have title insurance you will b eprotected.

While researching title companies, make sure they are independent of any lender or real estate company and ask if they have an affilated business arrangement of any kind. If the answer is yes, due your due diligence and shop around. It could save you a considerable amount of money.

Franklin County Title Company in Union, Missouri is an independent title company that has been is business for over four decades and is an independent, non-affilated title company doing things the right way. Give them a call and check out their pricing versus other title companies in Missouri.

Kudos to Franklin County Title Company located in Union, Missouri on their 40th anniversary. Four decades in business is a great achievement and a result of their experience, expertise and work ethic. If you are purchasing a home in Saint Louis, Franklin, Jefferson or Gasconade county we recommend Franklin County 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.