The Unsung Hero of a Real Estate Closing: Why the Title Company Matters More Than You Think
Most buyers and sellers think the hardest part of a real estate transaction is negotiating the contract with the other party. Realtors on the other hand know that getting from contract to closing is where a lot can go wrong. A great title company quietly solves problems, communicates with all parties involved and makes closing day feel uneventful--which is exactly what I want.
This is why I use Action Title.
Nobody thinks about the title company until something goes wrong
How many times have you heard someone say, "Our Realtor was really great" or "Some problems came up right before closing and our Realtor held the deal together." The fact is, it is very often the title company that solves problems that pop up unexpectedly between contract and closing. Sometimes a lien is discovered, unpermitted work on the home is discovered, buyers and sellers argue over escrowed funds or proper documents were never filed with the county. Solving these major issues is where the best of the best title companies shine.
Laney Farrugia had a property under contract once and all was smooth... until the owner died the day before closing. This awful turn of events could clearly derail a closing yet Allie Pelham at Action Title and her incredible staff helped guide the buyer and seller through this challenge and keep the transaction going.
A good closing looks easy because someone behind the scenes made it easy
After working through so many real estate transactions, I've learned that the title company you work with can have a surprisingly large impact on the experience my clients have. As Realtors, we do not get to choose the title company that will handle the transaction--that is solely the decision of the customer and they will sometimes choose a different company than my recommendation. It is in those transactions that I realize just how amazing Action Title is while I watch the other title companies provide less of a positive experience.
What does a title company actually do?
A title company performs title searches, helps ensure the seller can legally transfer clear ownership, handles title insurance, works through liens or title issues, prepares closing documentation and helps coordinate the settlement/closing process.
The Realtor gets the property under contract and the title company helps make sure ownership can actually change hands.
So aren't all title companies basically the same?
All title companies are the same in the same way all cars are the same.
Technically, title companies perform many of the same fundamental functions. However, the experience can be vastly different depending on communication, experience, the staff working for the client, their responsiveness and their ability to resolve problems that could jeopardize a deal.
I think it is really important to note that Action Title has their own in-house title plant for both Collier and Lee Counties. This is their own in-house resource that lets them control the title examination without relying on outside resources that could cause a deal to fall apart.
What I as a Realtor look for in a Title Company
"One of the things I've learned to appreciate is not having to wonder where a transaction stands. When an issue comes up, I want to know what it is, what we're doing about it and whether it threatens the closing."
Communication is key. A great title company is going to keep you regularly informed on where a transaction stands. I recently had a deal that I am convinced would have fallen apart with any other title company. We had an issue with permits that were never closed out and the buyer was not going to close with those permits still open. I would receive updates multiple times per day to let me know what was going on at the permitting office and what the staff at Action Title were doing to get these permits closed. I have to stress--this is not their job! But, they did everything they could and we ended up closing right on time.
A title company's ability to problem-solve is paramount. How will they react and respond to a problem that pops up a few days before closing? Will the customer be in the loop all the way? Do they have the contacts around town and can they leverage those relationships to benefit the customer? These are all very important traits that a title company must have.
And then there is Allie Pelham
What makes this title company so special is the experience and long-time leadership of the owner. Allie began working at Action Title in 1998 and later became the owner in 2021. When I call or email Allie, I get her response immediately. It's funny because on multiple occassions I would email a question and get an answer literally 3 minutes later. I'd always joke that I'd like to see her get that time down to 90 seconds. She is involved in every single transaction to ensure a quality experience for my customers and myself. Allie and her staff, especially Claudia Chavez, treat my clients like family. I have never once worried that they would be rude to a client or not give 100% effort. She clearly explains a problem if they arise and then details what steps will be taken to resolve it. I just know that once a contract is in their hands, closing (and closing on time) is almost guaranteed.
Clients, I want your experience to be perfect
When I recommend another professional to a client, their performance reflects on me. That's why I'm careful about who I recommend. Action Title has earned that trust from me over many transactions, and Allie and her staff are a big reason why.
I don't encourage customers to choose Action Title because they make the experience easier on me. While the experience is made easier, the real reason is because of how ridiculously successful they are at getting contracts closed while treating my customers like royalty.
Are you spending $200,000 on a condo or $5,000,000 on a Park Shore home? It truly does not matter as the customer service will be outstanding regardless.
Are you buying or selling? Let's get you to the closing table
Maybe this looks like a love letter for Action Title. I suppose it is! Our mission statement at The Listing Naples Group is that we want to create raving fans. Laney Farrugia and I learned long ago that the vendors we use and recommend make all the difference in the world. This is just one example, albeit the biggest factor, of why our customers leave us fantastic reviews. I wouldn't recommend Action Title if I didn't use them myself on my own real estate transactions and I hope you take my word for it and hire Action Title as well.
