Lenders
Buying a home may be the biggest investment you will make in your lifetime. Working with a skilled real estate agent, knowledgeable mortgage lender, and an experienced title company is key to ensuring a successful home purchase. We treat each transaction as a partnership and are available to answer all questions, before, during and even after the settlement. We even offer free consultations and can point you to an experienced agent or lender to meet your needs.
Below are links to tips, guides and more, catered just for you, the buyer. We want you to have access to all the resources available for a smooth and successful closing! Click the images to view PDFs on all of the information you may need or call us with any questions.
Buyer Related FAQ’s
We recommend wiring your cash-to-close at least 24 hours before your scheduled settlement time. Always call our office to verbally verify wire instructions before sending — never rely solely on emailed wire instructions, as wire fraud is a real risk. Once funds are verified received, we’ll confirm you’re clear to close.
No. Most title companies, including RSI Title, require a wire transfer or certified/cashier’s check for amounts over a small threshold (usually $500–$1,000). Personal checks are not accepted for down payments or large closing costs because they can be returned after the transaction closes. Contact us for exact wiring instructions well before your closing date.
In Maryland and DC, a licensed title company can conduct settlement without a separate attorney. In Virginia, an attorney must certify title, but a title company still handles the closing process. RSI Title works with licensed attorneys as part of our standard process in Virginia. If you’d prefer to have your own attorney present, you’re always welcome to bring one.
Buyer closing costs typically include:
- Lender fees (origination, appraisal, underwriting)
- Title search and title insurance premiums
- Settlement/closing fee
- State and county recordation/transfer taxes
- Prepaid interest, homeowner’s insurance, and escrow reserves
Total buyer closing costs generally range from 2–5% of the purchase price in the MD/DC/VA area. Your Loan Estimate from your lender will give you a detailed breakdown.
Both are legal instruments that secure your home loan. Maryland, DC, and Virginia all use deeds of trust rather than mortgages. The practical difference: a deed of trust involves three parties (borrower, lender, and trustee), which can make foreclosure slightly faster if you default. For most buyers, the day-to-day experience is identical — you make monthly payments and own the home subject to the loan.
Choosing RSI Title
Choosing RSI Title means choosing clear communication, transparent fees, and secure handling of your funds and documents. We combine local knowledge with technology-enabled options (including remote closings where available) to make the process efficient and stress-free. For details, timelines, or to schedule a closing, visit rsititle.com or contact our team today.