Vendors in a sale

1. The Title Company: The title company directly underwrites and issues title insurance to purchasers, builders, developers and lenders. There are four major American title companies: Fidelity National Mortgage, First American Corporation, Old Republic National Title Insurance Company, and Steward Title Guaranty Company. All four of these trade on the New York Stock Exchange. There are also several regional companies that also write title insurance policies. The title company might or might not be a participant at a real estate closing.

2. The Title Agency: A title agency is a subcontractor that represents the title company in a real estate transaction. A title agency underwrites a title before a title company issues the insurance policy. There are hundreds of small title agencies throughout the U.S., and they will attend the closing in lieu of the title company. Home buyers can choose which title agent or title company they want to use.

3. The Settlement Agent: The settlement agent runs the closing process. The settlement agent may be a real estate agent, mortgage broker, homebuilder, lawyer or a bank, or may be the title agent or the title company. Settlement agents ensure that all the correct papers are signed, payments are exchanged and escrow funds are released. They also ensure that the lender’s title policy is executed and offers the homebuyer the option of buying a title policy as well.

A home inspection is a limited, non-invasive examination of the condition of a home, often in connection with the sale of that home. Home inspections are usually conducted by a home inspector who has the training and certifications to perform such inspections. 

You will also want to have a Termite Inspection which many Home Inspection Companies offer.

Real estate appraisal, property valuation or land valuation is the process of developing an opinion of value for real property. Real estate transactions often require appraisals because they occur infrequently and every property is unique. If you are placing a loan on the home you are buying, typically your lender with choose the appraiser.

A home warranty is a contract that agrees to provide a homeowner with discounted repair and replacement services.

You may want to move yourself or hire a company to move you. Do you research and plan a head of time as moving may take the most time of all to complete. 

Remember to schedule the turn on/off of your utilities / services - electric, water, sewer, gas, garbage, security alarm, phone, internet, tv, landscape, pool, pest, cleaning and other services when moving out and turn on prior to moving in.