"Closing took place March 10th and today is March 25th and my brokerage has not been paid the commission from the Title Agency that did the closing."

I saw this Facebook Post:  "Closing took place March 10th and today is March 25th and my brokerage has not been paid the commission from the Title Agency that did the closing."

Realtors — let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention until it’s too late…

Every now and then, you’re forced into working with a title/settlement company you’ve never heard of. And when that happens, things can go sideways fast — poor communication, delayed loan approvals, late recordings, slow disbursements… all the stuff that turns a smooth closing into a mess.

I’ve seen it more times than I’d like.

So here are some practical tips to protect yourself, your client, and your deal when working with an unfamiliar NJ title agency:

🔹 Check Licensing & Compliance

Make sure the company is properly licensed in New Jersey and in good standing. No shortcuts here — this is step one.

🔹 Look Up the DLRP (Designated Licensed Responsible Person)

Go to https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/ and search the company. You can confirm who is actually responsible for the agency and uncover key details about their licensing and history.

🔹 Pay Attention to Longevity

How long have they been in business? Longevity is the gold standard in this industry. Experience matters — especially when problems arise and you need someone who’s seen it before.

🔹 Ask About Their Closers

Do they have in-house licensed title closers, or are they relying on independent signing agents? That difference shows up fast in the quality of your closing.

🔹 Understand How They Handle Funds at Closing

Do they bring checks to the table? If not — that’s a red flag. Or better yet, can they deliver vendor checks digitally for efficiency? Speed and control over funds matters.

🔹 Ask About Wire Fraud Protection

Do they use CertifID or a similar system? In today’s environment, this isn’t optional — it’s essential.

🔹 Evaluate Their Internal Team

Who’s actually behind the curtain? Do they have a Licensed Title Officer leading the company? A Settlement Manager, Funding Manager, Escrow Officer, in-house Examiner, and Post-Closing team?

Or is everything outsourced? The strength of the back office is what holds the deal together.

🔹 Look at Their Reviews (But Read Between the Lines)

Google reviews help, but don’t just look at the stars. Look for patterns — communication issues, delays, or funding problems.

🔹 Ask Who Your Point of Contact Is

If they can’t clearly tell you who is handling your file, that’s a red flag. You want a dedicated processor or closer — not a guessing game.

🔹 Test Their Communication Early

Send an email or call with a simple question. How fast and clearly they respond now is exactly how they’ll handle your deal later.

🔹 Ask About Turn Times

How long do they take to clear title? Record documents? Disburse funds? If the answers are vague… be cautious.

🔹 Verify Their Underwriter

Reputable agencies are backed by strong national underwriters like Fidelity, First American, Old Republic, and Stewart Title. That backing matters more than most realize.

🔹 Find Out Their Funding Process

Do they fund same day? Next day? What are their cutoffs? Delays here can create serious headaches for your clients.

🔹 Ask Other Realtors

A quick text to a few agents in your network can save you a world of trouble. Word travels fast in this business for a reason.

🔹 Watch for “Too Cheap” Fees

If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is. Corners get cut somewhere — and it often shows up at the worst possible time.

At ClosePoint USA LLC, our ownership has been running title agencies for over 27 years. We still have access to files closed 15 years ago — because doing things the right way, and standing behind our work, never goes out of style. We take pride in our longevity and our commitment to our insureds and referring partners.

At the end of the day, your reputation is on the line just as much as anyone else’s in the transaction.

Choose wisely… even when you don’t get to choose at all.

— Chris Brown

CEO, ClosePoint USA LLC