The home-buying process comes with plenty of stressors. It can be a daunting process, from saving enough for a down payment to finding the best mortgage.

Then, of course, you need to find the best home to buy.

But once you near the closing, it can be exciting. Of course, as you sign your name to make one of the biggest purchases of your life, you want to be sure you are buying a house that the seller has the right to sell.

Enter the title insurance agent who you're going to entrust with the task of making sure the title they hand to you at closing is clean and the sellers can actually sell the house.

While the title insurance might feel like a little detail near the end of the process, it's pretty important. Read on to learn what you should consider when hiring a title insurance agent.

WHAT DOES A TITLE AGENT DO FOR YOU?

Once you understand the role of the title agent and securing title insurance, you can better understand how important their role is in the home buying process.

You may not even recognize a title agent's important role in moving a home sale to close behind the scenes.

Your title agent will be working to do many tasks that clear the way for the home sale to be completed. This includes:

• Verifying real estate records
• Checking for any unpaid accounts associated with the house
• Clearing up any legal restrictions for things like easements, restrictions, or leases

The title agent will also offer the option for buyers and sellers of title insurance.

GOOD VS. BAD TITLE INSURANCE AGENTS

You may not know how to recognize a good versus a bad title agent, especially since much of what they do is behind the scenes.

Good agents will provide good communication throughout every step of the buying and selling process.

You want a title agent who uses modern technology best to do all the checking they need to perform their job.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN SELECTING AGENTS FOR TITLE INSURANCE

As you begin the home-buying process, you might not even realize you'll need a title agent. So, it might be a surprise that you need to know how to choose a good title insurance agent.

Let's take a closer look at the things you should consider when you're ready to hire a title agent.

Reputation

Anytime you hire a professional service, you want to consider their reputation for the services they provide.

It might be tricky to know about the reputation of a title agent. But you can get online and read reviews from other customers. Pay attention to the patterns you see about experiences others have had working with the title agent.

You can also talk to your realtor about their experiences with the title service.

Professional Experience

In recent years, the housing market has exploded, prompting a variety of new people to enter the title market.

You want to hire a title insurance agent with years of professional experience securing titles and preparing your deal for closing.

The best title agents have experience clearing titles for various property types.

Don't be afraid to ask questions about the title process and how your agent handles it.

Established Business with Support Staff

Along with an experienced title insurance agent, you want to hire a firm with an established and strong support staff.

There's often a wealth of paperwork to get through the title process. You want to ensure you're hiring a firm with support staff to keep up with the demands of their work.

If the property is a complicated one, you want to ask if they have a title attorney on staff or a working relationship with a title attorney if this person is needed.

Quality Customer Service

Buying a home is a big deal. Whether it's your first home purchase or not, you're bound to have questions.

Many people don't realize that the title agent will work on the sale throughout the process, even though you're not likely ever to meet them until closing.

If you have questions or there are potential issues, you want to work with a title company that's willing to take the time to address your questions and work towards solutions.

Up-to-Date Technology

It used to be that when you needed to sign something during the home-buying process, you were required to do it in person.

That's not necessarily the case anymore. With modern technology, including secure portals and the option for E-signatures, you often don't have to be physically present to sign paperwork.

Location

Enough is going on when you're going through the process of buying a home; you also need it to be convenient.

If you need to visit the title office more than once, you need them to be nearby the property you're buying, so it's convenient.

Fees

Closing costs are not standard across the industry. You'll have plenty of ways to spend money as you buy your new home.

Don't be afraid to ask about the fee structure for closing. You also want to ask for a breakdown of who's responsible for paying the fees once you arrive at closing.

FIND THE BEST TITLE INSURANCE AGENT

A title insurance agent is who helps get your home purchase to the finish line. You want to know if the property has no liens and is ready for sale so you can settle in.

Hiring a title insurance agent with a strong reputation in the industry and experience will ensure your closing goes smoothly. For more information about our title services, contact us today.