Posted by Paula Shilling on 3/6/13 3:42pm
Msg #459564

Title Search

I have gotten a few emails this week asking if I also do title searches. I do not, but would like to know if any of you do. I would like to know what it's like and how to go about doing it, and if it is worth it.
Thank you,

Paula/PA

Reply by Linda_H/FL on 3/6/13 3:47pm
Msg #459565

You need to know how to follow a chain of title

backwards - or have an idea how to do it and troubleshoot any and all issues you find. IMO it's not something anybody can "just do" - IMHO it takes proper training....at least to do a proper title search or bringdown.

JMHO

Reply by A S Johnson on 3/6/13 5:06pm
Msg #459593

Just as doing signing, Title companies are trying to get this price down from wht they have been require to pay. and just like signing services if you don't work dirctlly for a title company you could not be paid or very slowly.
But, you need to check with your local title companies as you may need an Abstractors License. When I was in college it paid great (early 1960's) you could get $25 to $50 and hour. It's like doing college term paper research (remember those) with a bibliography (the footnote citing of your sources). Of course you could try to sneek Cliff Notes in as a short cut, But if you got caught "f" time. LOL

Reply by Teresa/FL on 3/6/13 9:09pm
Msg #459679

You would need to have E & O insurance for this

and I understand it costs a lot more than just Notary E & O.

Reply by Pat/IL on 3/7/13 12:39am
Msg #459726

Paula,

Independent title abstractors are experiencing the same price pressure as signing agents these days. Even worse, much of the competition now comes from cheap labor in foreign countries. And the liability is real and substantial, so one would be ill advised to hang out ones shingle without having first training with a title company or an experienced independent abstractor.

If you are in love with the idea of researching property records, get a job with a title company, or a local title abstract company, and get properly trained. There's no good substitute for real, local training, because there are too many exceptions to the routine.

Reply by Chakwaina on 3/7/13 8:55pm
Msg #459963

You need good insurance--all you have to do is miss one thing in chain of title and you can be held responsible.

I used to do it for an attorney and came under his insurance--I loved it.