Resources & FAQs
Answers to common questions and checklists to help buyers and sellers prepare for closing.
Buyer closing checklist
- A valid government-issued photo ID for each buyer signing
- Closing funds by wire transfer, verified by phone with our office before you send them
- Homeowner’s insurance binder (and flood policy, if required)
- How you want to hold title (for example, husband and wife, joint tenants, or an LLC)
- Entity documents if buying through an LLC, corporation or trust
- Review your Closing Disclosure at least three business days before closing
Seller closing checklist
- A valid government-issued photo ID for each seller signing
- Mortgage lender name, loan number and last four of the borrower’s Social Security number (for the payoff)
- HOA or condominium association contact information
- Keys, garage openers, gate passes and mailbox keys
- Copy of your survey and prior owner’s title policy, if you have them
- Forwarding address and instructions for receiving your sale proceeds
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an owner’s title insurance policy?
It is optional, but strongly recommended. The lender’s policy protects only the lender. Without an owner’s policy, you could have to pay to defend your title or lose your investment if a hidden defect surfaces later. The premium is paid once, at closing.
Are title insurance rates the same everywhere in Florida?
Yes. Florida sets title insurance premiums by rule, so every title agency charges the same premium for the same policy. Other closing fees, like settlement and search fees, can vary between companies.
How long does a closing take?
Most financed purchases close in 30 to 45 days; cash purchases can close faster. We usually issue a title commitment within 3 to 5 business days of receiving the contract.
What is a title commitment?
It is our promise to issue a title insurance policy once certain requirements are met. It lists the proposed insured, the amount of coverage, the requirements to be satisfied before closing, and the exceptions the policy will not cover.
What are documentary stamp taxes?
Florida taxes deeds at $0.70 per $100 of the sale price ($0.60 for single-family homes in Miami-Dade, with an additional surtax on other property there). New mortgages are taxed at $0.35 per $100 of the loan amount, plus intangible tax of 0.2% of the loan. Our rate calculator estimates these.
Can I close if I am not in Florida?
Yes. We can send you a mail-away closing package to sign in front of a notary where you are, arrange a mobile notary, or close remotely through online notarization when the lender and transaction allow it.
What is a municipal lien search?
It checks for unpaid code enforcement fines, open permits, and unpaid utility charges that may not show up in a standard title search but can still follow the property to the new owner.
How should I send closing funds?
By wire transfer, after you have called our office at a verified number to confirm the wiring instructions. Never rely on instructions received by email alone. See our wire fraud prevention page.
Ready to open a title order?
Send us the contract and we will start the title search the same business day.