Old Republic Title is a title insurance company that handles escrow and closing for home sales

Old Republic Title is a title insurance and escrow company that manages the money and documents when you buy or refinance a home. During closing, they hold your down payment and the lender's funds in an escrow account, verify that the seller actually owns the property, issue a title insurance policy to protect you against ownership claims, and coordinate with your lender, real estate agent, and the seller's side to make sure everything transfers correctly on closing day.

Old Republic Title operates in most U.S. states and is one of the larger title companies in the country. They do not lend money or appraise the property — they verify ownership, manage the paperwork, and hold the money until all conditions are met. Your real estate agent or lender will usually recommend or assign a title company, and Old Republic Title may be the one chosen for your transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • Old Republic Title holds your down payment and loan funds in escrow until closing conditions are satisfied and the deed transfers.
  • They search public records to confirm the seller owns the property free of liens, judgments, or other claims against it.
  • They issue a title insurance policy that protects you and your lender if someone later claims ownership or a right to the property.
  • You typically do not choose the title company — your lender or real estate agent assigns one, though you can request a different provider in some cases.
  • Title insurance is usually required by your lender and is a one-time cost paid at closing, not an ongoing premium.

What Old Republic Title does during escrow and closing

When you go under contract to buy a home, Old Republic Title (or whichever title company is assigned) becomes the neutral third party holding money and documents. Your earnest money deposit — typically 1 to 3 percent of the purchase price — goes into their escrow account, not to the seller or agent. This protects you: if the deal falls through for a reason covered in your contract, you get the money back.

Old Republic Title also orders a title search, which means a title examiner looks at decades of public records — deeds, mortgages, tax liens, judgments, divorce decrees — to trace ownership back and confirm the seller has the right to sell. If they find a lien (a creditor's claim on the property) or a judgment against the seller, that must be paid off at closing before the deed transfers to you. Old Republic Title coordinates these payoffs and makes sure the title is clear.

On closing day, Old Republic Title receives the loan funds from your lender, your down payment from you, and any other money owed (property taxes, homeowners association fees, utility adjustments). They prepare the final closing statement, which itemizes every dollar in and out. You sign the deed, the promissory note, and the mortgage or deed of trust. Old Republic Title then records the deed with the county, pays off the seller's old mortgage and any liens, pays the real estate agents their commission, and sends the net proceeds to the seller.

Title insurance and what it covers

Title insurance is a policy that protects you against claims that someone else owns the property or has a right to it. Unlike homeowners insurance, you pay a one-time premium at closing — usually a few hundred dollars depending on the purchase price — and the coverage lasts as long as you own the home. Old Republic Title issues this policy as part of the closing process.

Title insurance covers risks that the title search may have missed: a forged deed in the chain of ownership, a missing heir who claims a right to the property, a judgment or tax lien that was not recorded properly, or a spouse's claim if the seller was divorced and the ex-spouse was not properly removed from the title. If a claim arises, the title company pays the legal costs to defend you and pays any settlement or judgment up to the policy amount.

Your lender requires a lender's title policy, which protects their interest in the home. You can also purchase an owner's policy, which protects your equity. The owner's policy is optional but recommended; the cost is usually small if you buy it at the same time as the lender's policy. Old Republic Title will explain both options at closing.

How to work with Old Republic Title during your transaction

You will typically first hear from Old Republic Title a few days after your offer is accepted. They will send you a preliminary title report, which lists what they found in the public records and any issues that need to be resolved before closing. Read this carefully and ask your real estate agent or attorney if anything is unclear.

A few days before closing, Old Republic Title will send you a Closing Disclosure, a federal form that shows the final loan amount, interest rate, monthly payment, and all closing costs itemized. Review this against your Loan Estimate (which your lender sent you earlier) to make sure the numbers match. If something looks wrong, contact Old Republic Title or your lender right away — do not wait until closing day.

On closing day, you will meet with a closing agent from Old Republic Title (or sometimes a local attorney or escrow officer they work with). Bring a photo ID and any documents they requested. The closing agent will walk you through each document, explain what you are signing, and answer questions. Take your time and read carefully. Once you sign, the transaction is final.

Title company fees and what they cover

Old Republic Title's fees are part of your closing costs and appear on the Closing Disclosure. The main charges are the title search fee (for examining public records), the title examination fee (for the examiner's work), the title insurance premium (the one-time policy cost), and the closing or settlement fee (for the closing agent's time and the escrow account management).

These fees vary by state and by the purchase price of the home. Your lender will estimate them on the Loan Estimate, which you receive within three business days of explore for the mortgage. The actual amounts may differ slightly, but lenders are required to keep most closing costs within 10 percent of the estimate. If Old Republic Title's final charges are much higher than estimated, ask why before you sign.

In some states, the buyer pays the title insurance premium; in others, the seller does. This is often negotiated in the purchase contract. Old Republic Title does not decide who pays — they straightforward collect from whoever the contract says is responsible.

What to do if you have a problem with Old Republic Title

If Old Republic Title misses a lien, fails to record the deed, or makes an error that costs you money, you have a few options. First, contact the branch or closing agent directly and explain the problem. Many issues can be fixed quickly — a missing document can be recorded, a fee error can be refunded.

If the problem is not resolved, file a complaint with your state's Department of Insurance or the agency that regulates title companies in your state. You can also contact the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) if the issue involves a mortgage-related closing. Keep copies of all closing documents, the Closing Disclosure, and any correspondence with Old Republic Title.

If you believe you were harmed by title insurance not covering a claim, you can file a claim with Old Republic Title's claims department. They will investigate and either pay the claim or explain why it is not covered under the policy. If you disagree with their decision, you may be able to appeal or pursue a legal claim, though this is rare.

Choosing Old Republic Title or requesting a different company

In most cases, your lender or real estate agent will assign a title company, and Old Republic Title may be the one selected. You have the right to request a different title company, though your lender may have preferred providers and may charge a higher fee if you choose someone outside their network.

If you want to use a different title company, tell your real estate agent or lender early in the process. They will let you know if it is possible and what the cost difference might be. Some lenders have exclusive relationships with certain title companies, which can limit your choices.

Old Republic Title is a large, established company with a long history in the industry. They are licensed in most states and are backed by insurance reserves. If they are assigned to your transaction, you can expect a professional closing process, though the quality of service can vary by branch and closing agent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my earnest money deposit if the deal falls through?

Old Republic Title holds your earnest money in escrow and returns it to you if the deal ends for a reason covered in your contract — for example, if the home fails inspection or appraisal, or if the seller cannot deliver clear title. If you walk away for a reason not covered in the contract, the seller may be may have access to to keep the deposit. Check your purchase agreement for the exact terms.

Can I see the title search results before closing?

Yes. Old Republic Title sends you a preliminary title report a few days after your offer is accepted. This report lists what they found in public records and any issues that must be resolved. Review it carefully and ask your agent or attorney about anything you do not understand.

Do I have to buy the owner's title insurance policy?

No, the owner's policy is optional. Your lender requires a lender's policy to protect their interest. The owner's policy protects your equity and is recommended, especially if you plan to stay in the home a long time. The cost is usually small if you buy it at closing.

What if Old Republic Title finds a lien on the property?

Any lien must be paid off at closing before the deed transfers to you. Old Republic Title coordinates with the creditor or lienholder to arrange payment from the seller's proceeds. This is common and is handled as part of the normal closing process.

How long does the closing process take with Old Republic Title?

From the time your offer is accepted to closing day typically takes 30 to 45 days, depending on your lender and the complexity of the transaction. Old Republic Title's part — the title search and examination — usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Delays in your loan approval or appraisal usually add more time than the title work does.