Title Order Explained

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After a home goes under contract, one of the first behind-the-scenes steps is the title order. At Real Estate Two70, this step marks the official start of the escrow and title process.

For many buyers, this happens quietly and without much visibility — but it plays a critical role in everything that follows, from inspections and financing to closing day.

What Is a Title Order?

A title order is the formal request sent to a title and escrow company to open escrow on a transaction and begin researching the property’s title.

In practical terms, the title order tells the title company:

There is an accepted purchase contract
The property is under contract
Escrow services and title work are needed

Once the title order is received, the title company opens a file and begins its work.

What the Title Order Triggers

Submitting a title order starts several important processes at once:

Opening escrow
Issuing a preliminary title commitment
Preparing to receive earnest money
Coordinating with lenders and agents

Many later steps — inspections, lender underwriting, and closing preparation — rely on information that comes from the title company.

Who Is Responsible for Submitting the Title Order?

In most Idaho transactions, the buyer’s agent or the brokerage handling the transaction submits the title order shortly after contract acceptance.

At Real Estate Two70, this step is handled as part of our post-acceptance process to ensure:

The correct title company is used
The contract and addenda are delivered accurately
Timelines begin without unnecessary delay

Buyers typically do not submit the title order themselves.

What Information Is Included in a Title Order?

A title order usually includes:

The fully signed purchase and sale agreement
Any counter offers or addenda
Buyer and seller contact information
Lender information (if known)
Earnest money details

Accuracy matters. Missing or incorrect documents can delay the title process later.

What Buyers Should Expect After the Title Order

Once escrow is opened, buyers will typically see:

A Escrow Number which is used in all correspondence and identifies the file.
Contact information from the title or escrow officer
Instructions for earnest money delivery
A preliminary title commitment issued within several days
Requests for identification or signing logistics

This does not mean closing is imminent — it means the foundation for closing is being built.

How the Title Order Connects to Other Steps

The title order is closely tied to several upcoming steps:

Broker Contract Review confirms the contract sent to title is complete
Earnest Money is often delivered to the title company
Lender Notification allows the lender to coordinate with escrow
Preliminary Title Commitment is generated from the title search

If the title order is delayed, many of these steps slow down as well.

Common Questions and Misunderstandings

“Do I choose the title company?” — Often yes, depending on the contract and local custom.
“Does ordering title cost money?” — Title costs are usually paid at closing, not upfront.
“Does title work mean the home is clear?” — Not yet. The preliminary title commitment will outline conditions and exceptions.

How Real Estate Two70 Approaches the Title Order

At Real Estate Two70, the title order is treated as a critical early checkpoint, not an administrative afterthought.

We focus on:

Submitting complete and accurate documents
Confirming the correct title company and escrow officer
Aligning title timelines with inspection and financing deadlines
Reducing downstream surprises

Clear title work early makes the rest of the transaction smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a transaction move forward without a title order?

No. Escrow and title work must be opened for a transaction to proceed toward closing.

Do buyers interact directly with the title company?

Yes, but usually later in the process. Early communication is often handled by agents and lenders.