For
example, you are going to need an escrow or settlement company to act as
an "independent third party" between you and the seller. Without having a
third party involved, how do you know that when you fork over the money,
you are going to get the deed? This is the type of service provided by
escrow and settlement. They will hold your deposit and coordinate much of
the activity that goes on during the escrow period.
Since this
third party is very important to both you and the seller and both of you
will pay fees to this company, it is important to agree on which service
to use. Therefore, your choice should be part of the offer. Since you do
not buy a home every other week or so, you are probably unfamiliar with
companies that provide this service. Your agent will make a
recommendation. You have the authority to accept this recommendation and
include it in your offer, or make your own choice.
Keep in
mind that the seller will also have a preference and this may be a point
of negotiation in a counter-offer. It has become customary that one side
will choose the escrow/settlement agent and one side chooses the title
insurance company. Even so, everything in real estate is negotiable.
