What Is Old Republic Title, and What Role Does It Play in Real Estate Escrow?
Old Republic Title is one of the largest title insurance companies operating in the United States. If you're buying or refinancing a home, you may encounter this company as part of the escrow process—the neutral third-party arrangement that protects both buyer and lender during a real estate transaction. Understanding what Old Republic Title does, how it fits into escrow, and what that means for you can help you navigate one of the most complex parts of a home purchase.
Who Is Old Republic Title?
Old Republic Title is a subsidiary of Old Republic International, a publicly traded insurance company founded in 1923. The company operates title insurance divisions across most U.S. states and provides two core services:
- Title insurance policies that protect property owners and lenders against disputes over property ownership
- Escrow and closing services, where the company acts as a neutral intermediary holding documents, funds, and other assets until transaction conditions are met
In the context of escrow, Old Republic Title functions as what's called a closing agent or escrow holder. This means the company holds your earnest money deposit, coordinates with lenders and real estate agents, conducts a title search, and manages the final closing process.
How Title Insurance Works in the Escrow Context
Title insurance is fundamentally different from homeowners or auto insurance. Rather than protecting you going forward, title insurance protects you and your lender against claims that arise from problems with the property's ownership history.
These problems might include:
- Liens from unpaid taxes, contractor work, or judgment debts
- Forgery or fraud in previous deeds or documents
- Undisclosed heirs claiming ownership rights
- Clerical errors in public records
- Missing documentation or improper transfers in the chain of ownership
When you purchase a property with a mortgage, your lender requires a lender's title policy. Many buyers also purchase an owner's title policy to protect their own equity. Old Republic Title (or another title company) searches public records to identify any of these issues before closing, and if they find problems, they work to resolve them before the sale completes.
Old Republic Title's Role in the Escrow Process
During escrow, Old Republic Title typically handles several key responsibilities:
Title Search and Examination
The company (or a local title partner) searches public records to create a complete history of the property's ownership. This reveals any claims, liens, or other encumbrances attached to the title.
Holding Funds and Documents
Your earnest money deposit and, at closing, down payment funds are held in Old Republic's escrow account. The company is required to keep these funds in a trust account separate from its operating accounts and cannot use or access this money.
Coordinating with All Parties
Old Republic Title communicates with the buyer, seller, real estate agents, lenders, and local government offices to ensure all conditions are met before funds are released and the deed is recorded.
Preparing Closing Documents
The company prepares or coordinates the preparation of the closing disclosure, deed, title policy, and other legal documents required to transfer ownership.
Recording and Final Delivery
After closing, Old Republic Title records the new deed with the local government office and delivers the final title policy to the owner and lender.
Why Old Republic Title Appears in Your Transaction
You don't typically choose your title company—your real estate agent, lender, or the seller's agent selects it, often based on local market practice, existing relationships, or negotiation terms. In some regions, the buyer customarily selects the title company; in others, the seller does.
That said, you have a right to shop title insurance rates and services if you prefer. Title insurance rates are often regulated or standardized within a state, so the cost may be similar across providers, but services, responsiveness, and local expertise can vary.
Key Variables That Affect Your Experience
Location and Regulation
Title insurance rates and practices are regulated at the state level. Some states have fixed rates; others allow competition. Old Republic Title's availability and specific fees depend on which state your property is in.
Complexity of the Title
If the property has a straightforward ownership history with no liens or claims, the process is typically straightforward and moves quickly. If title issues are discovered, resolution time and complexity increase—and the title company's role becomes more active in coordinating fixes.
Type of Transaction
Cash sales, refinances, new construction, and standard resales all follow slightly different escrow timelines and processes. Old Republic Title's specific responsibilities may shift depending on transaction type.
Lender Requirements
Your mortgage lender may have specific requirements about which title company to use or which underwriters to work with. This can influence whether Old Republic Title is an option for your transaction.
Understanding Title Insurance Costs
When Old Republic Title (or any title company) issues a title policy, you pay a one-time premium that covers you for as long as you or your lender owns the property. This premium typically includes:
- The title search and examination
- The title insurance policy itself
- Closing services and document preparation
The cost depends on your state's regulations and the purchase price of the property, but generally ranges from a small percentage of the home's value. Some of these costs may be negotiable between buyer and seller as part of closing cost negotiations—this varies by state and local practice.
What Protections Does a Title Policy Provide?
A title policy from Old Republic Title (or any insurer) covers the costs of defending against covered claims and pays out the policy amount if a valid claim is established. However, policies include exclusions—standard risks not covered, such as:
- Defects or liens known to the policyholder before purchase
- Issues that would have been revealed by a property survey or physical inspection
- Governmental actions or zoning violations
- Matters listed on the title commitment before closing
Understanding what your specific policy covers is important. You should review the title commitment before closing to understand any exceptions.
Your Role and What to Watch For
As a buyer involved in escrow with Old Republic Title or any title company, you'll typically:
- Provide earnest money to be held in escrow (usually 1–3% of purchase price)
- Review the title commitment to understand what the title search revealed
- Receive and review closing documents before the closing meeting
- Bring identification and funds to closing
- Sign the deed and closing disclosure to finalize the transfer
Pay attention to any title issues flagged in the title commitment—liens, easements, or other claims that could affect your ownership or use of the property. If issues exist, the seller typically must resolve them before closing, or you can negotiate a credit or price reduction.
The Bottom Line
Old Republic Title is a major player in the escrow and title insurance landscape. Whether it serves as your closing agent depends on your location, lender, and local market practice. Understanding that the company holds your funds neutrally, searches the title to protect your ownership rights, and coordinates the closing process can help you see how escrow works and what to expect.
The key variables—your state's regulations, the property's title history, your lender's requirements, and your ability to negotiate closing costs—determine what your actual experience and costs will be. A local real estate attorney or experienced real estate agent in your area can advise you on whether Old Republic Title is a strong choice for your specific transaction and what you should watch for during the escrow period.