Title agents are found at title companies around the country. And although you know that they serve a purpose within a real estate transaction, you may not know exactly what a title agent does or why you need one. Perhaps you are not even sure when you should contact a title agent.
Because they are a vital part of a successful real estate transfer, let’s shine a spotlight on everything you need to know about a title agent.
Protecting Your New Property
Title agents at the chosen title company begin protecting your interest in your property before, during, and after your real estate purchase. You may be so excited about the new investment or sale, but without ensuring it is a legal transfer with a clear title, you may find yourself in hot water down the road.
Title agents review the property’s title closely to ensure that the seller has the authority to sell the property and that there are no issues with the title, such as outstanding taxes, liens, judgments, lawsuits, unknown heirs, easements, and more. And, should anything turn up in the search, the title agent will work to clear the title so that you can confidently move forward with your transaction.
This is all done so that a title insurance policy can be purchased to protect the buyer’s rights to the property for as long as they have an interest – and protect the seller from dealing with any clouded title issues later.
The Role of a Title Agent
Title agents play a very large role in your home buying or selling process. They are there throughout the entire process – from the signing of the initial contract all the way through your closing. They even handle the post-closing documents, too.
Below are a few roles that title agents take on:
- Collecting and securely placing a good faith deposit in escrow
- Conducting a diligent title search
- Curing any uncovered title issues
- Offering and issuing title insurance
- Preparing and organizing all closing documents
- Facilitating the closing, ensuring all documents are signed and notarized properly
- Sending signed documents to the county recorder’s office for recordation
Every step of the real estate process involves detailed and skilled attention. And that’s what you can expect from a title agent.
When Should I Contact a Title Agent?
It is good to have a title agent on your side as early as possible. While anyone can choose their title company, it is customary in most Florida counties for the seller to make this selection. So having this in place when you list your home, for instance, can make things move with ease when you get a great offer.
Remember, real estate transactions can be complex and tricky so having a title agent getting you through the hurdles can prove to be very beneficial.
Title Experts at Kendall Title
If you want to ensure that your real estate transaction goes as smoothly as possible, then you need title experts on your side to walk you through your transaction. And you will find them at Kendall Title.
Contact us today at (904) 230-1063 to learn more about what we have to offer.
