We bloggers here on Active Rain are being challenged to post a content-rich consumer post for 
prospective buyers...SO...
Prospective purchasers of real estate, listen up...!!!
Before you even look at your first home consideration, let me describe briefly the transaction process...
A real estate transaction is a fairly complex, significantly important, and usually financially straining process...focus on the word STRAINING...
Now don't look at STRAINING as meaning STRESSFUL...
Look at the transactional process as a giant filter or, better yet, a series of filters, designed to separate out all the impurities and eliminate them from the transaction...we begin with the offer, the agreement of sale, the single most important document in a real estate purchase...this document gives us the course through which we must steer this ship, and the filters we must navigate through, in order to arrive safely at our destination...our goal...FINAL SETTLEMENT...and accomplished in a filtered, streamlined, minimally stressful, efficient, and hopefully pleasant manner...
The Title Company is the single most important FILTER in our analogy...WHY???
Because the Title Company is the last line of defense against avoiding an unpleasant and even possibly corrupt closing experience...THE LAST FILTER in the series of filters...the filter stops here...
This analogy only works if you have an independent title company whose ultimate allegiance is to its INSURED (usually the buyer)...
If you opt for a ONE STOP SHOP closing transactional experience, your title company is really only a facilitator to protect the closing from going south and thus protecting lucrative commissions to real estate agents and/or affiliated lender entities...
Is this always the case...???
By no means!
There are many caring ONE STOP SHOP title operations that operate in an ethical manner...problem is...can we the consumer determine which to trust and which to stay clear of...You'd better have a great 6th 
sense to make the correct discernment in this regard...
Consumers...Have I frightened you...I apologize, but I am passionately involved in assuring pleasant, efficient, ethical and stress free closing experiences to every customer...
Only then will my goal be realized and consumers really be king...!!!
Fran, I agree that the Title company is the last defense prior to having a closing that is all messed up. To me, they are invaluable.
I enjoyed our phone call the other day when we talked about this exact thing. It is important to know who your title company is working for and where the money you pay is going. Despite what the state says, not all companies charge the same or give the same service!
Fran - "Because the Title Company is the last line of defense against avoiding an unpleasant and even possibly corrupt closing experience...THE LAST FILTER in the series of filters...the filter stops here..." I don't think folks realize how important the Title Company's role is, especially when they first buy the home. Like you, I'm not a huge fan of One Stop Shops but by no means does that mean there aren't some good ones around. Have a good weekend, my friend. Go Steelers!
Fran, I have to agree that the title company is a vital component of the transaction. The buyers last line of defense comment is right on. Have a great weekend!
Fran, well put and important information to get out to agents and consumers.
Gary: And tomorrow we'll perhaps see the importance of a good defense...!!! :)
TC: Ditto on the call! If you shout the truth from the West Coast and I shout it from the East maybe it'll start to spread!!! :)
Jason: You know where I'm coming from!!! Go Steelers! :)
Jesse: Isn't it too cold in Alaska for Title Companies...??? :)
Janice: Fleshed out, there is a lot more behind the scenes that goes on than the average person realizes...! :)
Thanks, Fran
Fran, the title company is so crucial to each transaction! I love the guys who look at the title report for the first time when they're walking into the room at the settlement. That's not when you want to hear about any little glitches! Something tells me you don't do that!
Patricia,
That's precisely how and why title companies took the bull by the horns and assumed more responsibility for clearing objections, obtaining payoffs, and obtaining tax info...!!! That's how we do it!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Fran
Thank God for title companies, and also for GAP endorements. There are times when my best friend can be the title company.
Sincerely
Tom Braatz
Tommy,
That's how we make so many friends!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Beautifully written, Fran! And so true too.
Kay,
Thanks for dropping by and commenting!!! :) Thanks, Fran
Fran,
I trust and depend heavily on my title officer!
Suzanne,
Most title people are team players and sincere enablers!!! :) Thanks, Fran