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Title Agency: What Exactly Are We?

A title agent works in a dual capacity! What does this mean? We offer two intermingled and complementary services:

  • 1. We provide a title insurance policy to the buyer and/or lender.
  • 2. We act as a settlement agent for the real estate transaction.

Let's dive into each role separately:

The piece of property you are purchasing is an investment. You wouldn’t buy a top model automobile and drive it without insurance, would you? So why would you risk your new property? Protect it with title insurance.

Title Insurance: What Makes It Different?

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Title insurance protects you against loss, just like any other insurance. But here’s the twist: while most insurance policies like home, car, and health insurance look to the future to assess risk based on your history (like driving records or age), title insurance does the opposite. It eliminates risk by examining the past through public records.

If the title looks fine, why bother with a policy? Title insurance is like a safety net for you and your lender, catching those sneaky title issues that slip through the cracks—unpaid taxes, hidden liens, fraud, or forgery. It also covers the costs to fix these surprises, including legal fees if things get messy in court. In short, title insurance has your back, protecting you from hidden title problems and their pricey fixes. Human error happens, and while we minimize risks, we can't catch everything.

A few common title defects include:

  • Judgments
  • Liens
  • Unknown heirs
  • Encroachments
  • Forged or fraudulent documents
  • Easements
  • Recording errors
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Settlement Agent: Your personal guide throughout the real estate transaction

At FIT Agency, we’re your expert guides through every twist and turn of the real estate journey, from contract signing to closing day and beyond.

We might be behind the scenes until closing day is near, but rest assured, we’re with you every step of the way. Our deep knowledge and experience cover all aspects of the real estate transaction.

Think of us as the trusty assistants to your attorney, lender, and real estate agent. From the moment the contract is signed, we work with the buyer’s attorney, gathering all the specific details needed for a smooth, stress-free transaction. Each deal is unique, with its own quirks, and we make sure to iron out every wrinkle.

While little bumps can pop up along the way, FIT Agency smooths them out, keeping everything on track. We handle any issues or hiccups with all parties involved to ensure we reach the ultimate goal: closing the deal. We’re a key part of that goal, helping you every step of the way.

Key Characters in a Real Estate Transaction: A Simple Guide

Ever wondered who the main players are in the game of real estate? Let’s break it down:

  • 1. Buyer’s Attorney: They’ve got the buyer’s back, making sure all the legalities are in place.
  • 2. Seller’s Attorney: Ensures the seller’s interests are protected.
  • 3. Buyer’s Agent: Helps the buyer find their dream home and negotiates the best deal.
  • 4. Listing Agent: Represents the seller and markets the property.
  • 5. Lender: The money person who finances the buyer’s purchase.

The Unsung Hero: The Title Agent

The title agent is the maestro, coordinating between the main players and the minor characters like:

  • Surveyors
  • Municipalities
  • Homeowners Associations

The Closing Orchestrator

The title agent prepares the final closing statement, detailing how much the buyer needs to close the deal and how much the seller will receive. This involves:

  • Contacting up to 15 people to gather all the necessary invoices, amounts, payoffs, and other details.
  • Adjusting prorations and payoffs to ensure the bottom line is accurate for both buyer and seller.

In short, the title agent is the glue that holds the whole transaction together, ensuring everyone gets paid and everything runs smoothly.

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An owner’s title insurance policy is one that protects the owner of the property, just as its name suggests.
You pay a one-time fee at closing and you have coverage for as long as you and your heirs have an interest in the property.

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Our goal is to treat you with personalized service by getting to know your goals and helping you to achieve success.