This week, the title industry was asked…
Question:
How can a new title company generate business and secure orders while overcoming common startup challenges such as high operational costs, lack of income, and competitive market saturation?
Answers:
Here is what agents and other professionals across the country had to say…
Focus on Relationships, Not Just Advertising (Find Realtors & Events Now!)
Reassess Expenses and Prioritize Investments
Target Niche Markets
Support and Encouragement from Peers
Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Be Flexible and Willing to Adapt
1. Focus on Relationships, Not Just Advertising
Many industry professionals emphasize that building personal relationships is crucial for success in the title industry. Advertising alone (e.g., golf course ads, brochures, or Facebook ads) may not yield significant results. Instead:
Attend real estate investor meetings and REIA group events.
Attend Realtor events and host educational webinars.
Network with local realtors, lenders, and investors.
Focus on long-term relationship-building, even if it takes months to onboard clients.
2. Reassess Expenses and Prioritize Investments
Avoid spending heavily on expensive software, unnecessary branding efforts, or marketing representatives if they aren’t producing results. Look for cost-effective alternatives, such as:
Exploring underwriters without strict state quotas.
Choosing budget-friendly software such as ClosingVue that still meets your needs.
Shifting focus from widespread marketing to niche, targeted outreach.
3. Target Niche Markets
Some professionals suggest narrowing your focus to underserved areas or niche markets, such as investors, home buyers needing translation services, or real estate and estate attorneys, where competition is lower.
4. Support and Encouragement from Peers
Starting a title company is challenging, and it often takes 9–15 months to onboard steady business. Many shared words of encouragement:
“This business is all about persistence and relationships.”
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Keep showing up and you’ll see results.”
5. Seek Guidance and Mentorship
Many seasoned title professionals recommend reaching out for advice. Experienced business owners are often willing to share what worked for them, including:
Tips for negotiating with underwriters.
Best practices for lead generation and client onboarding.
Insights into fee structures and service offerings.
6. Be Flexible and Willing to Adapt
If current strategies aren’t working, adapt your approach:
Join local networking events or digital platforms like Closing.com.
Explore opportunities for remote or freelance title work.
Look into partnerships or collaborative efforts with established companies.
🧠 Want to Get In on the Conversation?
Join us at WTF LIVE: The Title Think Tank—a monthly mastermind group where title pros like you come together to swap war stories, compare notes, and crowdsource real-world solutions to the industry’s most frustrating problems.
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Key Takeaways:
Starting a title company is a demanding journey, but with persistence, strategic relationship-building, and a focus on cost-effective practices, success is achievable. It’s important to stay flexible, seek mentorship, and give yourself the time needed to grow. As one contributor put it, “The joy of closing is in our blood, and with passion and perseverance, you’ll find your path forward.”
Stay Wicked,Cheryl
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**DISCLAIMER**
The Wicked Title Forum is a crowd-sourced resource. To help us keep our information current and correct, please comment below with any corrections or updates and we will update the article accordingly.
All sample forms should be carefully reviewed for federal & state regulatory and underwriter compliance.
The information provided here (including, but not limited to instructions, steps, or forms) is for general guidance and educational purposes only. I am not an attorney and am not giving legal advice. Information should not be considered legal, underwriting, or financial advice and is followed at your own risk. Readers should consult with their attorney and/or underwriter to obtain advice tailored to their specific circumstances.