Selecting a Settlement Agent
Selecting a settlement agent is one of the most important components of real estate transaction. Although settlement practices vary from locality to locality and often even within the same county or city, it is important that you select a settlement agent that you feel will represent your interests to the best of their ability.
Where To Find A Settlement Agent
If you are looking for a settlement agent, there are a number of different sources where they are available. Lenders, title insurance companies, escrow companies, real estate brokers, real estate attorneys are all able to conduct settlements. Although you may want to follow your impulse of hiring the first settlement agent that you talk to, it is an important process to consult with a variety of settlement agents. In most cases, the first settlement agent you talk to may cost more and be less suited to matching your needs to another settlement agent you consult with. Consequently, much like shopping for a home, it is important to be picky when selecting a settlement agent.
The responsibilities of a settlement agent differ depending on whether they are representing the buyer or seller. However, the role of a settlement agent remains the same regardless of what side they are representing: they are responsible for representing your best interests and ensuring that the Terms of Agreement of Sale are carried out.
Responsibilities Of Settlement Agents
Some of the responsibilities that settlement agents for both sides of the home transaction share are: ensuring that the contract has been completed correctly; checking the title to ensure that the transfer of property ownership will be seamless; discharging any mortgages on the property to ensure mortgage transfer will be effortless; and keeping their client informed about how the settlement process is going.
For the settlement agent working for the buyer, some of their responsibilities include: contacting government agencies to make enquiries of future actions that may affect the property as well as generally performing actions while representing the buyer that are required during the settlement process. For the settlement agent working for the seller, some of their responsibilities include: preparing necessary documents required for the property transfer as well as generally performing actions while representing the seller that are required during the settlement process.
As the settlement agent will be representing you during the entire settlement process, it is important that you select a settlement agent that you feel will represent you in the most effective manner possible.
