For title, escrow, lending & settlement professionals
Title company FAQ
Everything a closing, escrow or vendor-management team usually asks before assigning a file — coverage, pricing, deposits, conflict policy and credentials.
- What area do you cover for closings and signings?
- Our primary coverage is Dakota County and the surrounding south-metro communities within approximately 25 miles of Farmington, with extended-travel assignments accepted farther out by arrangement. Assignments up to approximately 50 miles one way are scheduled directly; farther locations are quoted before the file is accepted. Send the closing location and date and availability is confirmed before you assign the file.
- How is travel outside the standard area billed?
- Travel within 25 miles one way of our Farmington base is included in the service price. Between 25 and 50 miles, an Extended Travel Fee of $2.50 per additional one-way mile is added and shown before the appointment is confirmed. Beyond 50 miles, travel is quoted in advance and never added after the signing.
- What does a closing or signing assignment cost?
- Standard local loan signing assignments start at $125 inside our core service ZIP codes (55044, 55124, 55337, 55024, 55068, 55122, 55123, 55076, 55306, 55077), covering Lakeville, Apple Valley, Burnsville, Farmington, Rosemount, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights. Print and scanback assignments start at $135 in the same area, and general mobile notary appointments start at $75. Assignments outside the core service ZIP codes are priced higher and quoted before the assignment is accepted — based on travel distance, package size, printing and scan-back requirements, turnaround time, and any other assignment requirements. Full detail is on the title company pricing page, and a written fee schedule is provided on request.
- Is a deposit required for title company assignments?
- No. Deposits apply to consumer appointments booked through the website. Assignments received directly from a title company, escrow or settlement team, lender or law firm are invoiced after completion on standard business terms — no deposit and no prepayment required.
- When and how are you invoiced?
- An itemized invoice is emailed after the signing is completed and the package is returned, referencing your file or order number. Payment by check or electronic transfer is accepted, and a W-9 is provided with onboarding so your accounts-payable file is complete from the start.
- What is your conflict-of-interest policy?
- Straub Document Group is an independent mobile closing and signing provider. We are not a title company, escrow company, real estate brokerage or law firm, we do not market real estate or lending services to signers, and we do not accept referral compensation from any party to a transaction. Assignments are declined where there is a personal, family or financial interest in the transaction or the property. Signers' questions about loan terms or documents are directed back to the title company or lender — we do not provide legal or financial advice.
- How do I request credentials, a W-9 and proof of insurance?
- Submit the inquiry form on the title companies page and note what your vendor file requires. Commission and Minnesota Licensed Real Estate Closing Agent details, NNA certification, Loan Signing System certification, background-screening documentation, W-9 and a certificate of $125,000 E&O coverage are returned by email, typically within one business day. Vendor onboarding portals and packet forms are also accepted.
- Can our office track requests without emailing back and forth?
- Yes. Once your inquiry is approved you receive a private portal login. Inside the portal your team can submit new assignment, pricing or credentials requests, see the status of everything already submitted, and view current partner rates and our credentials — no email thread to search.
- How do you handle documents and borrower information?
- Packages are received and returned by email or your secure portal, printed on dual-tray equipment, scanned when scan-backs are required, and shipped per your instructions. Files are handled only for the assignment, and borrower information is never used for marketing.
- Can you take same-day, evening or weekend closings?
- Often, yes — evening, weekend and short-notice assignments are accepted when the existing schedule allows, and availability is confirmed before the assignment is accepted rather than after.
- What happens if a signer cancels or the package is delayed?
- For title company assignments there is no deposit to forfeit. If a signing is canceled after travel has begun or a trip fee applies, it is discussed and agreed before invoicing. Consumer appointments booked through the website follow our published policy: Deposits become non-refundable if the appointment is canceled less than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment time. Cancellations made 24 hours or more before the appointment are eligible for a refund of the deposit.
Credentials on file
- Minnesota Notary Public
- Minnesota Licensed Real Estate Closing Agent
- NNA Certified Notary Signing Agent
- Loan Signing System (LSS) Certified
- Background Screened
- $125,000 E&O / Professional Liability Coverage
Still need something answered before you assign a file? Send the inquiry form on the title companies page or reach us directly.