About Us

First Title Source is a full-service real estate title agency of Florida providing complete title and escrow closing services to the buyers and sellers involved in real estate transactions. We pride ourselves on providing the highest standard service possible and always strive to go above and beyond for our customers. We currently have offices in Clearwater, Tampa, and Palm Harbor, and provide fast and secure property closing transactions throughout the state of Florida. Give us a call to speak with one of our friendly title agents. We would love the opportunity to serve you.

quick tip light bulb first title source title company in floridaTip: Simply let the realtor know that you want First Title Source to represent your title needs, then let us do the rest!

Who We Serve

Our clients consist of realtors, lenders, brokers, buyers, and sellers, as well as, third parties such as surveyors, insurance companies, and inspectors involved in real estate transactions both residential and commercial thoughout Florida. We ensure a timely accurate closing process. Our services are designed to protect you and safeguard all of your real estate investments.

Why Choose Us

Our team of highly trained Florida title agents are committed to assisting you step-by-step through the closing process to ensure you experience a speedy and successful closing transaction and give you the piece of mind in knowing that when you hire First Title Source you are always in good hands.

Our Services

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Title Insurance

Title insurance protects real estate owners, buyers and lenders against financial loss and/or damage occurring from liens, encumbrances, or defects in the title or actual ownership of a property.

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Title Search & Clearing

Our comprehensive title search will uncover any possible defects tied to the property’s title. Such as, discover any claims, errors, debts, or other restrictions on the property.

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Escrow & Closing

We will guide you step-by-step through the escrow & closing process to ensure a seamless property ownership transfer and provide a timely, dependable and efficient closing.

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1031 Exchange Services

A 1031 exchange allows owners of business or investment property, through the use of a Qualified Intermediary, to sell one property and purchase a similar or “like-kind” property while deferring capital gains.

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O & E Report

An O & E, or Owner and Encumbrance Report, are simplified non-insurance title reports designed for informational purposes to aid in closings of equity and home improvement loans.

Our Customers

Realtors

Lenders

Mortgage Brokers

Buyers/Sellers

Commercial

Residential

Why is Title Insurance Important?

An owner’s title insurance policy is your best protection against potential defects that can remain hidden on a title despite the most thorough search of public records.

These defects can include:

  • ›   Mortgage liens
  • ›   Defects in the title
  • ›   Undiscovered encumbrances
  • ›   Public deeds
  • ›   Forgeries
  • ›   Missing heirs
  • ›   Unknown easements
  • ›   Boundary/survey disputes
  • ›   Undiscovered will
  • ›   False impersonation of previous owner

The Title Closing Process

Step 1 – Initial Request for Title Insurance / Records Search

Most commonly, the buyer’s attorney or the buyer (or in the case of a refinance, the lender) places an order for title insurance with the title company. The title company then initiates several searches that are necessary to tell the full story of the current state of the property’s title. These searches typically include county searches against the property, judgment searches against the individual parties involved in the transaction or in the chain of title, tax searches, and patriot searches, plus any searches that might be unique to a particular municipality, county or state. These searches are usually done with the help of independent search companies or through accessing online records. Full title abstracts are returned to the title agent with copies of all pertinent documents.

Step 2 – Title Examination

The skill and expertise of the title officer is the key to an accurate title report. A title insurance company begins the review by analyzing the documents of record. The title company then makes an interpretive analysis of all recorded matters to evaluate their impact on the title to the property.

Step 3 – Binder / Commitment

The title officer at the title company issues a title commitment, on behalf of the title insurer. The title commitment is an agreement to insure title on the terms and subject to the requirements set forth therein. The commitment specifies the amount of insurance, the insured parties, exceptions and requirements to be met in order to issue the policy.

Step 4 – Clearing any Clouds

The title agent then works to clear any “clouds” to the title. A cloud on the title is any irregularity in the chain of title (ownership) of the real property that would give a reasonable person pause before accepting a transfer of title. For example, if there is an open judgment on the property, the title officer contacts the parties involved to get the judgment paid and clear the title. The title officer works with buyers, sellers, lenders and their attorneys to resolve the often complex and varied title issues that can arise during the search and examination process.

Step 5 – Closing / Premium Payment

Unlike other insurance policies, there is a one-time only premium payment for title insurance. The premium is paid by the buyer / borrower at the closing table. Closing can occur at the attorney offices or offices of title agent or title company or remotely, depending on the circumstances involved.

Step 6 – Policy Issued & Delivery

After the closing, the title company issues the actual title policy on behalf of the title insurer. Then that’s it, you’re all set.

Our Team

Clearwater Office:
Joseph Cash Jr.

Owner

Frank Cruz

Licensed Title Insurance Agent

Amy Marzano

Licensed Title Insurance Agent

Justin Phipps

Admin

Megan Willoughby

Account Manager

Brad Connors

Closing Agent

Corinne Cook

Processor / Office Manager

Diana Homan

Account Manager

Tampa Office:
Christina Swan

Licensed Title Insurance Agent

Kristin Campbell

Processor / Office Manager

Amy Valentine

Licensed Title Insurance Agent

Brian Mensching

Processor

Megan Willoughby

Account Manager

Diana Homan

Account Manager

Palm Harbor Office:
Eric Johnson

Licensed Title Insurance Agent

Pasco Office:
Rick Golubeff

Account Executive

Jamie Golubeff

Closing Agent

FAQ’s

Title insurance protects both real estate owners and lenders against loss or damage occurring from liens, encumbrances, or defects in the title or actual ownership of a property. Unlike traditional insurance, which protects against future events, title insurance protects against claims for past occurrences. Title insurance is a small expense relative to the benefits it provides.

A title-closing company has the responsibility for ensuring that all the documents related to the ownership of a property are in order before real estate transactions are executed. The title company also provides an agent to oversee the closing process.

In Florida, the person responsible for paying title varies per county and can be negotiated in the contract. In most counties, the seller generally pays for the title insurance and chooses the title company.

However, the buyer generally pays for title insurance and chooses the title company in the following counties:

– Sarasota County
– Collier County
– Miami-Dade County
– Broward County

While title and closing costs are typically paid by certain parties, all costs are negotiable and can be specific to the contract you sign. It’s in your best interest to request a free, no-obligation title insurance quote to determine which fees you’re responsible for paying.

Title insurance provides indemnity to lenders and homeowners against defects or issues with the title of a property. When you purchase a property by securing a mortgage, your lender will require you to purchase a policy of title insurance to protect the lender’s interests in the property. However, if you are paying for a property in cash, this policy will not be applicable to your transaction. That said, you still have the option to purchase title insurance for yourself.

Florida’s title insurance premium is based on a promulgated rate calculation, which is determined by the state of Florida. Florida’s title insurance premium is also determined based on the purchase price as follows: Purchase Prices up to $100,000: $5.75 per thousand. Purchase Prices Over $100,000: $5.00 per thousand.

All policies of title insurance are issued for a one-time premium and are valid as long as the insured owner or his heirs hold title to the property, in the case of the owner’s policy; and as long as the mortgage is a lien of record in the case of the lender’s policy.

Customer Experiences

“ Top notch Title Company! Great company that truly cares about their team members and clients best interest. Highly recommended! ”


~ Sasha Rokstar Kutsy

“ Very professional staff great to work with. ”


~ Carrie Jackson

“ First Title Source and I have completed many closings together over the years and they always go above and beyond to close in a timely manner and for a reasonable cost. I highly recommend their services. ”


~ Patrick Anderson

“ I have had two closings with Joey and everything went smoothly. Highly recommend First Title Source! ”


~ Melissa Corningstone

“As a lender that deals with 90% purchase business, working with an experienced title company is a necessity. On many occasions, we have to move fast and First Title Source gets it done. They are highly responsive and provide excellent customer service. ”


~ Cory Jeffries

“ They were the title company for the sale of my property. I was very happy with their communication, professionalism and service. Would highly recommend. ”


~ Connie Richards

Our Offices

Clearwater Office
Tampa Office
Palm Harbor Office

We proudly serve customers
throughout Florida