Franklin County Title Company has been servicing this area for 35 years.  We were founded on the simple principle that high quality customer service should be standard. Furthermore, we understand that you are about to make one of the most important financial decisions of your life whether it be purchasing a new home or refinancing your existing one. Over the past 35 years, we have cultivated a loyal following of Loan Officers and Realtors who seek the best service and price for their clients. We encourage you to arm yourself with knowledge, as education is the key to getting full value for your dollar.

While calling title companies and researching prices can be time consuming, it could also save you hundreds of dollars. Below is an abbreviated HUD statement as it pertains to title company fees. At your closing, look over these fee’s very carefully. Some title companies add “junk fees” to increase your cost.

Remember, you can choose your title company. The broker or lender may recommend a title company but it is your money they’re spending.

Section 1100 of Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA)

Questions You Should Ask When Researching Title Companies

1)   What are your closing fees?

2)   How much do you charge for an abstract or title search?

3)   Do you charge for a title binder?

4)   Does the title company charge a document preparation fee?

5)   Do you charge a notary fee?

6)   Do you charge a courier fee?

7)   How much does it cost to email documents?

8)   Do you charge a fee over and above the standard cost to record deeds?

9)   How much do you charge for an Owner’s Policy?

A)   How much do you charge for a Lender’s Policy?

B)   How much do you charge if you purchase both simultaneously?

10) Do you charge a wire fee (incoming or outgoing)?

      11) Are you affiliated with a real estate office, law office or mortgage company?

 1)   What are your closing fees?
Our closing fees are one of the lowest if not the lowest in the area.  Some title companies skew this number by adding on “junk fees” such as a notary fee to make up the cost differential. While their closing fee on the surface may appear lower, paying these types of “junk fees” increase your cost. You will not be charged, “junk fees” at Franklin County Title Company.

 2)   How much do you charge for an abstract or title search?
Again, our fees are the most competitive in the area. Do not hesitate to call us. We do not require you to give us a copy of your old title work and our ever-expanding title plant more than likely has done a search on your property at some time or another in the past. In fact, we have a re-issue rate policy that can reduce this cost even more. Call or email us for more information.

3)   Do you charge a fee for a title binder?
The title binder/commitment is included in the title insurance policy fee.

4)   Does your title company charge a document preparation fee?
Title companies are limited in the types of documents they are legally allowed to prepare. They cannot charge separately for document preparation. Keep in mind that lenders are allowed to charge a “doc prep” fee. However, this fee is disclosed in the 800 section of the HUD so as to avoid any confusion on the customers end.

5)   Do you charge a notary fee?
We do not charge a notary fee for our customers.

6)   Do you charge a courier fee?
If the lender requires us to overnight the closing package we charge a courier fee. However, we do not charge a courier fee to record deeds at the Franklin County Recorder of Deeds office. We hand deliver these deeds at the end of the business day.

7)   How much does it cost to email documents?
We charge a flat fee of $30 to email documents. 

8)   Do you charge a fee over and above the standard cost to record deeds?
No. There are times when we have to estimate the number of pages documents are going to be if a lender does not provide that information to us but we do not charge over and above the cost of recording the deeds. The standard cost for recording deeds is $24 for the first page and $3 each additional page. Keep in mind there are statutory requirements as to style and page size for recorded documents.

9) How much do you charge for an Owner’s Policy?
    A)   How much do you charge for a Lender’s Policy?
    B)   How much do you charge if you purchase both simultaneously?

The cost of a Lender’s Policy and an Owner’s Policy varies depending on your situation and the amounts of each type of policy. If you do purchase both simultaneously we will charge you a reduced rate. Call or email us for a quote.

10) Do you charge a wire fee (incoming or outgoing)?
No. We do not charge you a wire fee whether it is incoming or outgoing. 

11) Are you affiliated with a real estate office, law office or mortgage company?
No. We are family owned and operated with no affiliations to a real estate office, law office or a mortgage company. While some title companies are proud of their affiliations with real estate brokers etc. we consider such an arrangement to be a conflict of interest. Remember, as a buyer or the person refinancing, you are in control not your broker. While they may recommend a title company you may not be getting the best value for your money. In fact, it may be costing you hundreds of dollars.