About Us
First Title Source title company is a full-service real estate title company 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 for customers throughout the state of Florida. Give us a call, and speak with one of our friendly title agents. We would love the opportunity to serve you.
Quick tip: 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
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.
Title Search & Clearing
A title Search will uncover any possible defects tied to the properties title. Such as, discover any claims, errors, debts or other restrictions on the property.
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.
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.
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
What Makes title insurance So 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.
Those defects can include:
- › Defects in the title
- › Mortgage liens
- › 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.
Team Members