10 Critical Questions First-Time Buyers Should Ask Their Florida Title Company

November 17, 2025

If you plan to buy a real estate property, you can't underestimate the importance of doing due diligence.

Choosing the perfect title company can be the key to a successful closing, and asking the right questions can help you avoid an unavory deal. Today, we list the most important questions you need to ask your title company in preparation for your future purchase.

1. What services do you provide?
   A real estate closing involves multiple steps, and some companies are only equipped to handle a few of them. You can have one company overseeing the escrow funds while another handles the evaluation of the title and other property records. Of course, it's much more practical to have one company supporting you at each step of the way, which is why asking this question early on is so important.
   
   These are the main services you want to get from your Florida title company: title searches, document preparation, title insurance, and closing services. Likewise, the company can help you brush up the legalities of the closing process so you can fulfill the clauses in your contract without worrying about potential scams.
2. What is the timeline for closing?
   Having a detailed timeline helps you avoid any scheduling conflicts. Likewise, it's much easier to keep effective communication with sellers and lenders when you have a clear plan in mind. The title expert can help you outline each step of the process, with the guarantee that you have the company's assistance to deal with any issues along the way.
3. What are your price rates and fees?
   A reliable company will be upfront when you ask about prices because they understand the importance of having a budget plan. Don't be afraid to ask about the costs attached to specific services, like the creation of escrow accounts, the drafting and review of different documents, the recording of the closing, etc. This way, you won't be caught off guard by a surprise fee mid-way through the process.

4. Are there any restrictions on the property?
   This question will probably be addressed to the seller at the start of the negotiations, but it doesn't hurt to do some fact-checking with a local real estate expert. The answer to this question can help you make the right choice if you have specific plans for the property. For instance, some buyers wish to have tenants in some of the rooms, while others plan to set up their businesses in a portion of the property.
   
   You need to be aware of any zoning regulations in the area, as well as the limitations placed by homeowners' associations and other entities.
5. What should I look for during home appraisals and inspections?
   The support of a real estate agent is important during these visits because some issues can be overlooked at a glance. You need to check the property's foundations, electric system, plumbing, and the state of different materials on the roof, walls, and fixed furniture. Other minor elements that could hint at a bigger problem include the paint job on the walls, the state of the garden soil, and any damage to narrow spaces like shower stalls, cabinets, and cupboards. Lastly, don't hesitate to ask about the likelihood of floods and other environmental risks.
6. What do you look for in a title search?
   You need to be clear on this so you can properly assess your company's assistance during the process. A title search is an evaluation of the company's records. During these searches, you check for many things, which is why most buyers trust the resources of a real estate company over attempting to look through the records themselves.
   
   While looking through the property records, the title company is expected to check for liens, hidden claims, or encumbrances that could put your ownership rights into question.
7. How do you deal with title issues?
   When you have a company taking care of title searches, identifying any issues is only half of the process. The company should also provide guidance on how to solve these issues, especially given the timeframe that's available for clients before closing. The expertise of a title and escrow professional is crucial to avoid wasting time along the way.
   
   Each of the issues mentioned in the previous question has a specific solution, but getting it done can take up much of your energy when you're already dealing with other aspects of the closing process. The company representative can help you expedite the process, outlining the steps to follow, contacting the relevant organizations, and checking that all issues are resolved.
8. What does title insurance cover?
   This is extremely important since title insurance is your main protection once the closing is complete. In addition, lenders often ask for insurance, so you need to make sure that the policy of your choice meets these requirements. A Florida title and escrow expert can help you make an informed decision so you can avoid financial loss in the event of an ownership dispute.
   
   When it comes to insurance coverage, ask about specifications regarding liens, undisclosed heirs, claims left pending by previous owners, and instances of fraud. You can also ask about elements that are excluded from coverage in the insurance policy.
9. What is the cost of title insurance?
   Costs vary from one company to the next, but calculating the costs isn't as hard once you've decided the type of policy you want to have.
   
   The premium for title insurance is a one-time fee that is set while taking the purchase price into consideration. There are no annual or monthly payments to take into account.
   
   The company can give you an accurate estimate of the insurance costs based on the property value while also considering the fees attached to specific insurance providers.
10. Who pays for the closing costs?
    When we talk about closing costs, title insurance is one of the main elements that need to be defined in advance. While the standard in most Florida counties is for the seller to pay for insurance, you still need to get a clear answer before putting your signature on any document.
    
    Moreover, closing costs also involve the down payment, legal fees, etc. Having an estimated number will save you a lot of stress, and knowing how these costs are separated will prevent any conflict with the seller.

These are the main questions to ask before choosing a company; they will help you get an accurate read of the company's expertise level. Still, you can take this chance to clear out many other doubts about escrow, title insurance, the closing process, and more. Your company can also give you specific assistance according to the requirements of your mortgage holder.

And if you want to hash out all the details of your real estate transaction in one single place, look no further! Key Title & Escrow will have your back each step of the way, from the purchase offer to all the steps leading up to closing. Feel free to call (305) 235-4571 or toll-free at (800) 547-0006 to get more information. You can also reach out to us via the website's contact form if you have specific questions about Florida real estate transactions.