MG Title provides title and escrow services in connection with District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania,* Minnesota, and Florida real property transactions. Our coverage areas are expanding, however, so please return to this site regularly to see if we have added your particular jurisdiction.
After a buyer and seller negotiate the terms of their deal and sign a sales contract, many tasks must be completed before they can officially close the deal. As the title and escrow company coordinating the transaction's many elements, MG Title facilitates the process of getting buyer and seller to the settlement table by working closely with real estate professionals, brokers, lenders, insurers and others to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
For refinance transactions, MG Title coordinates the settlement process between borrowers and lenders. Having fewer parties involved in the process allows refinance closings to be conducted by our attorneys at a time and place convenient for the borrowers, e.g., their home, work, broker's office, etc.
Purpose Of A Closing/Settlement
As your closing agent, MG Title acts as a third party to ensure that: all provisions of the real estate sales contract are fulfilled; the Seller has good and marketable title to convey to the Purchaser; Lender's Instructions and Conditions are met; all costs incident to the sale (e.g. required inspections, lender fees, escrow account contributions, title insurance premiums, loan payoffs, homeowner association dues, water bills, taxes of all types, etc.) are paid and/or prorated to the appropriate parties; and that sale proceeds are disbursed in accordance with the Seller's directions and local laws.
Prior To The Closing Day
Upon receipt of the signed Sales Contract, MG Title contacts the sellers and buyers to obtain information essential to preparing documents and ordering any loan payoffs and to determine if all parties will be present at settlement. The government land records will be searched to determine what liens and/or judgments encumber the property and the steps to be taken to ensure that good and marketable title will vest in the new owner. A survey is ordered and reviewed to determine if there are any encroachments on the lot or whether any buildings violate set-back lines or easement areas. Real Estate tax amounts and whether they have been paid current are verified and communicated to the lender along with a preliminary title report. When the lender provides closing instructions, a HUD-1 Settlement Statement is prepared and the parties review the statement and then agree to meet to sign documents and close the transaction.
On Closing Day
The sellers, buyers and their respective real estate agents gather at MG Title's offices (or some previously agreed upon location) to approve the settlement statement and sign documents. The real estate agents discuss and appropriately settle any outstanding contract conditions and walk-through inspection items. With lender approval, funds are escrowed as necessary for any discrepancies and as security for any seller rent-back. Keys are passed and the deal is closed.
Post Closing
Once a final "bring-down" title search is completed and legal documents are recorded, MG Title disburses funds to the appropriate parties within the applicable time limits. Title insurance policies are then issued. Although the Deed and any security instruments are recorded soon after the closing, government authorities may take months to return the original documents.
Please feel free to contact us for more information about the settlement process and the roles we play in it.
