Have you decided to take the leap and put your home on the market? Selling is a big step – but it’s also an exciting opportunity for a fresh start and new possibilities.
But before you start packing boxes, there’s the not-so-small matter of actually selling your home. When handling the sale, you’ve got two main options: partner with a real estate agent, or take the DIY route – aka For Sale by Owner (FSBO).
The FSBO path isn’t right for everyone, but for many homeowners, it’s a chance to take more control and save on commission costs.
The downside? When selling your home without a realtor, you’ll be responsible for tasks they would normally handle – including the more complicated legal and financial details.
Still, even when you choose to go it alone, you don’t have to truly go it alone. A title company provides support with the areas that might have you feeling a little out of your depth.
In this guide, we’re breaking down the role of a title company in FSBO sales – and how they can help you throughout the process.
What Exactly Is a Title Company?
These pros are the neutral third-party in a home sale, acting behind the scenes to keep the deal on track to the finish line.
Their most important job is making sure the property’s title is clear. This means digging for any hidden problems like undisclosed liens, unpaid taxes, or potential claims on the property’s ownership that could trip up the buyer and derail your sale down the line.
With a title company involved, you and your buyer will be confident the transaction is secure and protected from title issues.
What Tasks Can a Title Company Handle (Apart from Title Searches)?
Quite a lot, actually! While guaranteeing a clear title is the number one priority of a title company – it’s far from their only responsibility. These experts have an important part to play in many other areas of the home-selling process, including:
- Preparing paperwork: They handle the legal documents for the sale, carefully checking every detail so nothing slips through the cracks and your transaction stays on schedule.
- Assisting with closing: They coordinate the entire closing process, keeping all parties – you, your buyer, and their lender – on the same page so deadlines and individual responsibilities are met.
- Handling funds: They take care of the finance side of the sale, collecting the buyer’s payment (escrow) and making sure it gets to you safely and on time.
- Finalizing the transfer of ownership: They make sure the deed is properly recorded, so the buyer officially becomes the new owner and your FSBO responsibilities wrap up smoothly.
You could do all this on your own, but having an expert on board makes it a lot easier (without piling up realtor fees in the process).
Who Hires the Title Company in FSBO Transactions?
If you’ve opted to sell your home without an agent, you might be wondering who actually calls the title company in the first place. Well, unlike traditional sales, where the agent or buyer usually handles it, in a FSBO sale you – the seller – often make the first move.
That said, sometimes it comes down to local customs or what the other parties involved request. For example, a buyer might have a strong preference and ask (or even insist) on using their own title company. In other cases, the lender may step in with a list of approved providers or push for a specific company.
How to Choose the Right Title Company
Finding the right title company can take a lot of the stress out of selling your home without a real estate agent. Here’s what to look for in a title partner:
- FSBO experience: Some title companies work almost exclusively with agent-led transactions. Look for one that’s handled FSBO sales before and understands the challenges of selling without an agent.
- Local knowledge: Real estate rules vary by state, city, and sometimes even by neighborhood. A title agent that knows your area like home and will be able to spot any issues that could trip you up.
- Strong communication: Only work with a company that’s quick to respond and keeps you in the know. Choose someone who answers your questions in plain English and helps you understand what’s going on at every stage.
- Positive track record: Check reviews or ask for references. A company known for efficient, reliable closings is worth its weight in peace of mind.
- Honesty about fees: Title companies that are honest about their costs from the start show that they’re trustworthy – the exact kind of partner you want handling your sale.
- Extra support: Selling FSBO often means unusual timelines or special requests. A title company that’s willing to provide extra guidance when you need it is a must in situations like yours.
Partner with Brick City Title for Stress-free FSBO Real Estate Transactions
From title insurance and escrow services to closing preparation – Brick City Title guides FSBO sellers through every step of the home-selling process.
The moment you reach out, we start working to understand your needs, keep your sale on track, and make sure all the paperwork and logistics are ready ahead of time.
Because we work with nationally recognized underwriters like Fidelity, Old Republic, Alliant National, and Westcor Title, you can trust your transaction is safe and secure. Plus, with two convenient locations in Northeast and Southwest Ocala, we’re always close by when you need us.
So, sit back and let our experienced team manage the finer details while you showcase your home and find the right buyer. Contact us today to arrange a consultation.
