I'm trying to purchase my childhood home from my mother in Ohio despite me living in California. Trying to do the right thing and get a mortgage for my first investment property but the lender requires I contract a title company. I called Eagle Land Title Agency and am told by the person who picked up the phone that Jim will need to get back to me as he's not the one with the experience. Fine, I wait for Jim's call. Although I do admit I didn't give all of the information up front, Jim says he should be able to help. Great! I send him the contract between my mom and I that the lender has approved. In the contract I specify the seller will pay for taxes and I will pay for the closing costs including the work to be done by the title company. Jim says the contract doesn't detail out the specific charges and that I do not have a form that's normally included in other home purchases by the realtor board. He also advises I get a lawyer. I explain that I don't believe I need a lawyer and in response I'm asked to Google other title companies in the area that can help. Great! I will take my business elsewhere. Lesson learned, I will provide the most details upfront when I speak to another title company before I waste a full week to be told they don't want my business.
Another important detail to note is I was asked to pay $500 upfront for the title search/examination and when I mention it to my mortgage banker, he tells me the bank will send a title order and the payment needs to be done at closing. Hope this helps everyone else out there looking for an honest title company. read more