For all of your Real Estate transaction needs, let 1 st Signature Settlement Services serve you.

If you're in the process of buying a home and have a contract, we can give you a quote on the settlement costs. Call us or click on the "Fee Estimate" page.

Need a lender to finance your purchase, we have a network of lenders that can help. See our "Links" page.

Looking for a new home and haven't found the right one, we have a network of realtors that can help in your search. See our "Links" page.

For Sale By Owner - whether you have found a home and it's a FSBO or you want to sell your home, we have the guidance and tools needed to help you along the way.

The Importance of Purchasing Title Insurance

Unlike most insurance products that protect against future events, title insurance safeguards against loss that may arise from hazards and defects that already exist and affect your legal claim to the property you are buying. Some "hidden risks" include:

Errors, Unknown Heirs, Forgery, Fraud and unrecorded easements.

While most lenders require you to purchase title insurance to protect the lender's interest, Owner's Title Insurance is optional. However, purchasing a home is one of the largest investments you will make. That is why it is of the utmost importance to safeguard the security of your investment from the financial loss that can occur through title defects.

Title Cost, Transfer Taxes, Recording Fees, and Miscellaneous Costs

All closing costs vary from company to company and transfer taxes vary from county to county. Many companies vary on the types of miscellaneous charges that are added. As a consumer it is wise to compare the charges of each company to make sure you are not being overcharged. Below is a list of possible settlement charges.

• Settlement or Closing Fee - $50-$150
• Abstract or Title Search - $100-$295
• Title Examination - $195-$495
• Title Binder - $25-$75
• Document Preparation - $50-$150
• Notary Fee - $25-$50
• Attorney's Fees - $50-$250
• Title Insurance – Lender's Policy $2.50 per thousand of loan amount
• Owner's Policy $3.50 per thousand of purchase price
• Enhanced Coverage – additional 20% to above fees
• Judgment Reports - $12-$60
• Affidavits - $25-$50
• Recording Fees - $40 per instrument
• Lien Sheets - $30- $55
• Photocopies - $10-$60
• Shipping Fees - $10-$75
• State Recordation Tax (Doc Stamps) - $5-$10 per thousand of purchase price
• State Transfer Tax - .25% - .50% of purchase price
• County Transfer Tax – 0-1.5% of purchase price
• Survey - $125-$275

Please note: not all companies charge every fee.