Title company
A neutral company that handles the title search, title insurance, and often the closing itself. In many states they hold earnest money in escrow through the deal.
Your Room opens on this part of the sale, with the offer and everything before it already ticked.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.
See how it worksWhere this comes up in a sale, and what follows
- Review offers and negotiate (comes before)
Part 1 of 4
Why a seller cares
In most states the title company searches the records, insures the title, holds the deposit and runs the closing. Picking one, or accepting the buyer's, is one of the first things that happens after an offer.
Part 2 of 4
A simple example
The contract names a title company. Within a week they open a file, order the search, and send you a form asking about your mortgage and any liens.
| What the title company does | When |
|---|---|
| Holds the earnest money | From the day the contract is signed |
| Searches the records and issues a commitment | In the first week or two |
| Runs the closing and pays everyone | Closing day |
One company, four jobs, and it works for neither side.
Part 3 of 4
What people get wrong
That the title company is the seller's advocate because the seller often pays for the owner's policy. They are neutral, whoever pays.
Part 4 of 4 · where to read next
Where it appears in the sale
What a definition is, and what it isn't
Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.
Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish
In your Room, this word explains itself where it appears.
Your Room defines title company in the step you meet it in, beside the document or the date it belongs to. Free to set up, with an agent or on your own.
Organize my saleFree to set up. Pay once when you list: $89 or $189. 7-day refund.