Smart Agents Ask This Before Choosing a Title Company

Choosing the right title company can make or break your client’s experience—and your reputation. Here’s what top real estate agents in Florida ask before deciding who to trust at the closing table.

Let’s Be Honest, Agents...

You’ve been there. You're juggling a nervous first-time buyer, a listing appointment in 30 minutes, and now your transaction coordinator is texting you:

“Hey, did we pick a title company yet?”

Maybe the lender already picked one. Maybe the seller has "a guy." Or maybe you’ve defaulted to whoever you used last time—because, hey, the deal closed, right?

But here’s the thing: the title company you work with directly reflects on YOU. And in this competitive Florida real estate market, your closing game needs to be just as sharp as your listing game.

So let’s break it down: What should smart agents like you ask before choosing a title partner?

🏡 First: Why It Even Matters

We get it—title insurance isn’t sexy. It’s not drone photos or Instagram Reels. But title issues? They’re deal killers. And delays, bad communication, or hidden fees can wreck your client’s trust—and your online reviews.

Here’s what can go wrong with the wrong title company:

• Missed lien or judgment = delayed or canceled closing

• Poor communication = confused clients blowing up your phone

• Unclear fees = surprise costs at the table (and angry buyers)

• Zero urgency = missing your closing deadline (and maybe that commission)

  
  

On the flip side, the right title company is like a secret weapon: organized, responsive, transparent, and always keeping your deals (and your sanity) intact.

✅ 10 Smart Questions Agents Should Ask Before Choosing a Title Company

Let’s keep it real and practical. Here are the questions top-performing agents ask—and why you should, too.

1. How quickly can you turn around a title search?

Speed matters. In a hot Florida market like Tampa or Riverview, even a few days’ delay can cost a deal. Some companies take a week. Others, like ARETSI, can get it done faster thanks to tech-driven workflows.

➡️ Pro tip: Ask if they pre-clear common issues or spot red flags early (like open permits or unreleased liens).

2. Do you offer digital closings or Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Remote closings are here to stay. Especially if your buyers are moving from out of state (hello, New York and New Jersey!). A title company offering RON closings can save you—and your clients—tons of time.

➡️ Bonus points if they explain the tech clearly to nervous or older buyers.

3. How often will I and my clients get updates?

Communication is everything. Your clients shouldn’t be chasing down updates, and neither should you. Ask how they keep everyone in the loop—email, phone, client portals?

➡️ Pro tip: Choose a company that updates proactively, not reactively.

4. Who will I be working with directly?

Is it a dedicated closer or a call center? You want a real human, someone who gets to know you and your clients. Relationships = smoother closings.

➡️ At ARETSI, for example, we assign a specific bilingual team member who manages your file from start to finish.

5. Can you walk me through your fee structure?

No one likes surprises at closing. Ask for a sample HUD/CD or a custom closing quote. You want transparency on title insurance premiums, settlement fees, courier charges, and more.

➡️ Trust is built by being upfront about costs.

6. Do you handle both buyer and seller sides?

Not all title companies are set up to serve both parties equally. That matters when you're on the listing side and want to ensure your seller has a smooth experience, too.

➡️ One-stop-shop = fewer miscommunications and less finger-pointing.

7. Are you familiar with local issues like CDDs, HOA estoppels, and FIRPTA?

Florida real estate isn't like the rest of the country. Between Community Development Districts, Homestead exemptions, and FIRPTA withholding, you need a title partner who’s fluent in local quirks.

➡️ Local knowledge = fewer mistakes.

8. How do you protect against wire fraud?

Scary fact: real estate wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing cybercrimes. A good title company should have serious protocols—encrypted emails, secure portals, multi-factor verification.

➡️ Never assume. Always ask.

9. What happens if there’s a title defect?

Do they help resolve it—or punt it back to the agents? The best title teams don’t just find problems—they fix them.

➡️ Think of them like a closing SWAT team.

10. Can I refer you confidently to my buyers and sellers?

At the end of the day, it’s your name on the line. If you wouldn’t send your best friend to them, it’s not the right fit.

➡️ The right title company makes you look good—every time.

💡 What Sets Great Title Companies Apart?

You’re not just choosing someone to file paperwork. You’re choosing a partner. A deal-maker. A time-saver. Someone who protects your business as much as your clients.

Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

❌ Red Flags	✅ Green Flags
Hard to reach or vague answers	Quick replies with clear next steps
Hidden or inconsistent fees	Transparent quotes & no surprises
No local expertise	Knows your county's quirks inside-out
Treats you like a transaction	Treats you like a teammate
Can’t explain things to clients	Helps you educate your buyers/sellers

🧠 Still Not Sure? Here’s a Shortcut

If you want a cheat sheet, here’s your quick closing checklist:

• ✅ Speedy title search

• ✅ Local market expertise

• ✅ Clear communication

• ✅ Bilingual support

• ✅ Flexible closing options (in-office, remote, mobile)

• ✅ Transparent fees

• ✅ Hands-on support with defects or delays

  
  

Sounds like a tall order? It shouldn’t be. That’s the standard you and your clients deserve.

💬 Final Thoughts (Agent to Agent)

Choosing a title company isn’t just a box to check. It’s part of your brand, your service promise, and your deal flow. Ask the right questions, partner with pros, and protect your deals from surprises.

At ARETSI, we’ve spent 17+ years doing closings with a personal touch, laser focus, and zero ego. Just expert work, clear answers, and happy clients.

Ready to try us for your next deal? 

Visit 👉 www.aretsifl.com 

📞 Call: (813) 876-4373 

💬 Or DM us to get a personalized closing quote!