After months of browsing Zillow, tracking down the right realtor, attending open houses, making offers, mortgage approval, the appraisal, you’ve made it to the last step towards owning a home — finalizing your title and closing the sale. Home buying is a long-term game, with plenty of complex steps and plenty of tedious paperwork throughout. That’s why it’s oh-so-critical to make sure you have the right people to help you through the endgame, but what should you be looking for when it comes to details like title duties and escrow?

Here are some key steps to help you choose the right title agency:

Think Local

There are probably dozens of title companies in your state along with the handful of national companies that offer title and closing services. It’s important to choose a company that has some expertise with how your local laws work. Remember, title companies make sure the closing process is done correctly and provide you with insurance to protect you (the owner) from issues like state, federal, and local liens. When you choose a local company, you’re working with people who regularly search you county’s recorder, clerk, or assessors’ offices for issues with homes in your community. Not all county records work the same, and it’s important that your title company knows the “lay of the land.”

Ask Questions

Closing tasks like lien searches and title examinations aren’t simple. As a home buyer, it’s okay if you don’t understand all the details, but if you’re unsure of how a certain process works or why you’ve chosen a certain company for title insurance, make sure you’re asking questions! Realtors are very helpful when selecting the right company and insurance provider, so feel free to ask which title company your realtor likes to work with and why. From there, ask the title company what to expect during the closing process. They should be able to outline specific steps that coordinate all the stakeholders including your lender, realtor, and the seller.

Check the Underwriting

When you’re looking for help with the closing process, a title company not only provides necessary due-diligence searches, but they will also provide insurance to make sure that you don’t get penalized for issues with your property in the future. Be sure to check on how long the company underwriting your insurance has been in business. After all, you don’t want to be in a situation where your title insurance disappears when you need to make a claim. The underwriter needs to be reputable and reliable, so don’t be afraid to check!

Overall, the most important part of homebuying is enjoying the home you’ve purchased. Choosing the right title agency to help you get there means peace of mind and confidence as you relish in your new home! Take the time to find a local company and ask the right questions, and you can get to the best part of home ownership much easier.