How to Find the Best Title Company
It can be hard to know what companies you can trust, especially if you've never purchased a home before. Do you know what questions to ask? Do you know how to find a title insurance company that will fit your needs? Arrowhead Title is here to help answer these questions for you. As the best title insurance company at the Lake of the Ozarks, we are all about accuracy and integrity. So, even if we don't serve your area, we want to make sure you are able to find the best agency possible. Keep reading to learn more!
While first-time buyers generally do not understand the role a title company plays as well as they understand lenders' or realtors' responsibilities, that does not mean a title company's role is any less important. Here is a quick look at the types of responsibilities a title company will fulfill during the closing process:
As you interview potential title companies, asking the following questions can help you judge their experience and capability.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
This may seem like an obvious one to start out with, but it's still important. Real estate is a rapidly changing industry, and it's important that your title company be able to show that they have been able to adjust over the years and stay on top of current requirements and trends. The more experience your company has, the more likely they are to handle your transaction correctly the first time.
2. What Will My Insurance Policy Cover?
Most title policies are relatively standard, but it is wise to clarify what protection your company's policy will offer. Important basics include things like fraud, forgery, spousal claims, undisclosed heirs, invalid power of attorney, and mistakes in public records.
3. What Will You Do If You Find an Issue with The Title?
If your title company uncovers an issue with the title, it's important that they communicate the issue with all parties so that you can work together to resolve the issue before the transaction is finalized. You'll also want to be confident that your title company will disclose everything they discover, not just liens or other outstanding debts that must be repaid. If there is an easement on your chosen property, for example, you should know about it prior to closing.
4. How Do You Keep the Money Safe?
Every penny of a real estate transaction will pass through the title company before it is distributed to the appropriate parties. Handling hundreds of thousands (or sometimes even millions) of dollars is a big responsibility. You should be confident that your chosen title company is honest, reputable, and reliable. A reputable title company will be happy to discuss their methods for handling the funds involved in your transaction.
As the buyer, it will be up to you to choose the title company you wish to facilitate your transaction. Given the important roles that your title company will fulfill, you'll want to be confident that you choose an agency that will meet your needs and keep your best interests in mind. A few characteristics to look for in a title company are:
Timeliness - Will they handle your transaction efficiently? If your closing date changes, will they be able to accommodate the new time frame?
Being Proactive - Do they anticipate your needs? Do they anticipate potential issues and address them before they can become problematic?
Experience - Have they handled your type of transaction before? How long have they been in business?
Frugality - Are they upfront about ways you can save money? Are they willing to help you look for extra ways to keep costs down?
Reliability - Will they follow through on their projects? Can you count on them to complete things in a timely manner?
Responsiveness - Do they answer calls and/or return calls in a timely manner? Will they answer your questions quickly?
Buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a dream come true. It's a gorgeous place to live and can be a lucrative place to work as well! Arrowhead Title loves being part of the Lake community and we are here to help welcome you into that amazing community. We look forward to chatting with you about your goals and expectations so you can feel comfortable and confident choosing us as your local title company. Give us a call to learn more!
The Lake of the Ozarks' Most Trusted Title Company
What Does the Title Agency Do?
While first-time buyers generally do not understand the role a title company plays as well as they understand lenders' or realtors' responsibilities, that does not mean a title company's role is any less important. Here is a quick look at the types of responsibilities a title company will fulfill during the closing process:
- Ensuring the validity of the title
- Issuing the title insurance policies
- Serving as the escrow agent
Questions to Ask ... And Answers to Look For
As you interview potential title companies, asking the following questions can help you judge their experience and capability.
1. How Long Have You Been in Business?
This may seem like an obvious one to start out with, but it's still important. Real estate is a rapidly changing industry, and it's important that your title company be able to show that they have been able to adjust over the years and stay on top of current requirements and trends. The more experience your company has, the more likely they are to handle your transaction correctly the first time.
2. What Will My Insurance Policy Cover?
Most title policies are relatively standard, but it is wise to clarify what protection your company's policy will offer. Important basics include things like fraud, forgery, spousal claims, undisclosed heirs, invalid power of attorney, and mistakes in public records.
3. What Will You Do If You Find an Issue with The Title?
If your title company uncovers an issue with the title, it's important that they communicate the issue with all parties so that you can work together to resolve the issue before the transaction is finalized. You'll also want to be confident that your title company will disclose everything they discover, not just liens or other outstanding debts that must be repaid. If there is an easement on your chosen property, for example, you should know about it prior to closing.
4. How Do You Keep the Money Safe?
Every penny of a real estate transaction will pass through the title company before it is distributed to the appropriate parties. Handling hundreds of thousands (or sometimes even millions) of dollars is a big responsibility. You should be confident that your chosen title company is honest, reputable, and reliable. A reputable title company will be happy to discuss their methods for handling the funds involved in your transaction.
Choosing the Right Title Company
As the buyer, it will be up to you to choose the title company you wish to facilitate your transaction. Given the important roles that your title company will fulfill, you'll want to be confident that you choose an agency that will meet your needs and keep your best interests in mind. A few characteristics to look for in a title company are:
Timeliness - Will they handle your transaction efficiently? If your closing date changes, will they be able to accommodate the new time frame?
Being Proactive - Do they anticipate your needs? Do they anticipate potential issues and address them before they can become problematic?
Experience - Have they handled your type of transaction before? How long have they been in business?
Friendliness - Is the company staffed by people you can get along with? Are they cheerful and approachable when you talk to them?
Frugality - Are they upfront about ways you can save money? Are they willing to help you look for extra ways to keep costs down?
Reliability - Will they follow through on their projects? Can you count on them to complete things in a timely manner?
Responsiveness - Do they answer calls and/or return calls in a timely manner? Will they answer your questions quickly?
Title Agencies at the Lake of the Ozarks
Buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks is a dream come true. It's a gorgeous place to live and can be a lucrative place to work as well! Arrowhead Title loves being part of the Lake community and we are here to help welcome you into that amazing community. We look forward to chatting with you about your goals and expectations so you can feel comfortable and confident choosing us as your local title company. Give us a call to learn more!
Where Accuracy Matters!
750 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
750 Bagnell Dam Blvd Suite B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
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