FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) 


How do I choose the right real estate professional?

Selecting the right real estate agent is crucial to ensuring your home buying experience is enjoyable. That’s why it’s important to find a professional who has your best interests in mind and listens to your needs.
    
    Here are a few suggestions when finding a real estate professional:

  • Ask your friends and family for agents they have used and trust.
  • Look for an agent with an outstanding reputation, specifically when it comes to his or her experience, track record and awards received.
  • Interview at least three agents until you find the agent you feel most comfortable with.
  • Seek out someone who is a member of the Board of Realtors®.

Find someone who is continuing their education – a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), Certified Residential Broker (CRB), a Graduate of the Realtors Institute (GRI) or an Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) – this shows that the Realtor is interested in the business long-term and is willing to invest in their career.

 

What role does the title company play in the purchase of my home?

Capitol Abstract & Title offers you experienced escrow officers and closing specialists well trained in real estate procedures, title insurance, taxes, deeds and insurance. Their wealth of technical experience and knowledge is your assurance of a smooth closing. By acting as a neutral third party who follows the instructions of both the buyer and seller, keeping track of all the details of the transaction, Capitol Abstract gets the job done with efficiency and accuracy.

 

What is escrow and why do I need it?

Capitol Abstract's escrow department is your partner when it comes to the real estate closing process. Once the abstracting and title work is complete, the escrow department serves as a third party, providing depositories for the buyer's funds and legal transfer of the deed from seller to buyer. The closing process also includes the buyer's receipt of a free and clear title and the seller's receipt of payment from the buyer. The escrow officer prepares all necessary closing documents, presents the closing statement and instructions and obtains signatures from all parties involved in the transaction.

 

As the seller, how do I prepare for the closing?

By the time of the closing, the hard part of your job is nearly done!

A good rule of thumb is to schedule the closing back to back with the buyer so all the papers will be signed at the same time, thereby ensuring you are paid.

Be certain to bring the following items to the closing with you:

  • A copy of the sales contract and documentation showing that any contingencies have been removed or satisfied.
  • All documents needed to complete the transfer of title. This may include certificate of title, deed, correcting affidavits, quitclaim deeds, survey and title insurance policy or binder. The title company will prepare and coordinated with you or your realtor the procurement of all these required documents prior to closing.
  • Homeowners insurance policy.
  • Receipts showing payment of the latest water, electric and gas bills.

Helpful Tips and Information

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What Every Home Seller and Buyer Should Know About Title Insurance