re: In Landmark decision, Jury Finds Realtors Conspired to inflate Commissions|$1.8 B verdict

Probably varies by state, but title companies usually get a cut of the premium for the title policies. That's where most of their revenue comes from. They aren't staying in business on those $100 Notary fees or $150 Abstract fees by themselves. So if you waive the TI, then they are likely going to increase the abstract and other fees so they don't LOSE money servicing your file.

Title companies, in my experience, are forced to stay competitive moreso than lenders/realtors. It's easy to leverage one Title company against another and haggle over their fees just by asking for quotes. Some are willing to waive a lot of the nominal fees, but they assume they at least will get the insurance premium.

Which is why I find it strange when they get bashed when they are by far the lowest paid in the transaction.

On a $400k sale, you might have:
- Lender making $2-3k in fees
- Agents taking home $24k (6%)
- Homeowner's insurance company getting $3-4k (or way more these days)
- County/Parish getting $3-5k in property tax
- Various vendors like appraisers, HOAs, repairmen, courthouse recording all combining for another several thousand
- Then the title company making maybe $1,500, which includes giving you a title policy that covers you for your lifetime on hundreds of potential issues

There's much bigger hands in that pot taking your money for far less service provided.