10/27/2026
🏡 ALRIGHT, EVERYONE, LET’S GET BACK TO REAL ESTATE! 😁
Today, I want to talk about why choosing a good TITLE COMPANY is about so much more than just having a place to sign paperwork!
I’m going to share two real-life stories that might completely change the way you think about who handles your real estate closing.
😳 STORY #1: OVER $50,000 IN OUTSTANDING DEBTS!
Imagine this: You're selling your home, you've found a buyer, and everything seems to be going perfectly. Then, during the title search, over $50,000 in outstanding debts and liens are discovered!
This is a real situation from my own experience!
The seller had owned the property for many years. Some debts were familiar, some were completely unexpected, and others had simply been forgotten. But the seller definitely wasn't expecting a number that big! ☝️And this is where the professionalism of a title company can make all the difference.
One company might simply say, "Here's the amount owed. It needs to be paid", another will take the time to investigate: review records, make phone calls, determine which debts are still valid, which have already been paid, and whether any mistakes were made.
Of course, legitimate debts don't just magically disappear. But the difference between "You need to pay" and "Let's investigate this first" can sometimes mean tens of thousands of dollars!
☝️ This particular transaction is actually what inspired me to write this post.
😱 STORY #2: A $20,000 SURPRISE FROM THE IRS — ONE YEAR LATER!
☝️ Here's another situation I want to share.
A couple purchased a home, successfully closed the transaction, received their keys, and went on with their lives.
About a year goes by... And suddenly, the buyer receives a notice from the IRS demanding approximately $20,000! 😳 After looking into the situation, they discovered that the seller had been a foreign investor from China.
And here's the shocking part: neither the buyer nor the buyer's agent had been informed during the transaction that the seller was living outside the United States and had foreign tax status!
📍 Now, let me explain why this matters.
There's a federal law called FIRPTA — the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act. When a foreign person sells real estate in the United States, federal law requires a portion of the sales proceeds to be withheld and sent to the IRS in certain circumstances.
During the closing process, the title company typically provides the seller with a Seller Information Sheet, which, depending on the form, may request information about the seller's foreign status. Additional FIRPTA documentation is also prepared when necessary.
When FIRPTA withholding is required, the title company typically coordinates withholding the appropriate amount from the seller's proceeds and remitting it to the IRS at closing.
☝️ But here's something many buyers don't realize: under federal law, the buyer is generally responsible for ensuring that the required FIRPTA withholding takes place. If the withholding isn't handled properly, the IRS may come after the buyer for the unpaid amount!
That's exactly why it's so important to have documents carefully reviewed and potential issues identified before closing. 💯‼️
📣 A REAL ESTATE CLOSING IS ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN SIGNING PAPERS AND GETTING THE KEYS!
🏡 NOW, LET'S TALK ABOUT SELLER CLOSING COSTS.
Whenever I meet with sellers and we sign a Listing Agreement, one of the first questions I hear is:
How much is it going to cost me to sell my house, and how much money will I actually walk away with?
I always prepare an estimated breakdown and explain the expenses involved.
In Texas, sellers typically pay for the Owner's Title Policy, which can cost $2,000–$3,000 or more, depending on the home's sales price. A new Survey, on the other hand, is often paid for by the buyer. However, these expenses are negotiable and ultimately depend on the terms of the contract.
And sometimes I hear: Why should I pay for the Title Policy? Let the buyer pay for it! 😁 Believe me, I understand wanting to save money. Who doesn't?
☝️ But something equally important is who's handling your transaction, especially when unexpected problems come up.
A Title Policy provides title insurance coverage, while the title company handles the title search, closing documents, and coordination of the transaction.
And having knowledgeable, experienced professionals involved can make a tremendous difference! 💯‼️
❤️ NOW, A LITTLE ABOUT HOW I APPROACH MY WORK.
I'm a very detail-oriented person. 😁
Before I start working with someone, I always do my research. I look into their reputation, read reviews, and ask around. But the most important thing is seeing how someone actually performs when it matters! 💯
And when I find a true professional who knows their job, takes responsibility, and doesn't give up when things get complicated, I value those relationships and stick with those people for the long run!
That's why I want to give a very special thank-you to Jennifer Pironti , Escrow Officer at Texas Excel Title - Alliance! ❤️
Jennifer, you did an incredible job!
So many phone calls, documents, questions to resolve, patience, and persistence! 🙏Thanks to your hard work and dedication, my client was able to save a substantial amount of money! ❤️
☝️ That's exactly the kind of professionalism, responsibility, and genuine care for clients that I appreciate so much! And that's why Texas Excel Title is a company I'm happy to recommend, based on my personal experience working with Jennifer Pironti!
For me, being a REALTOR® isn't just about helping someone buy or sell a home. It's also about working with professionals I can truly trust.
NOW, I HAVE A QUESTION FOR YOU! 👇
When you bought or sold your home, did you personally choose the title company, or did you never really think about who was handling your closing?
Have you ever experienced unexpected liens, tax issues, or other surprises during a real estate transaction?
Share your stories in the comments! I think your experiences could be incredibly helpful to others. ❤️🏡
Natalia Aslapovskaya
REALTOR® | Skyline Realty
📍 Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas
📞 916-706-8778
