Property Monitoring: a complimentary post-closing service from Fidelity

Most buyers walk out of a closing with a stack of documents and zero visibility into what happens to their property's public record after that day. Liens, deeds, and MLS listings can be filed against an address without the homeowner knowing for weeks or months. Property Monitoring, a complimentary post-closing information service from Fidelity National Title, was built to close that visibility gap.

Here's the plain-English version we give to agents and buyers in the South Bay and Westside LA.

What it is

Property Monitoring is an informational service. It scans certain public records and MLS data tied to a homeowner's property and sends an email alert when activity is identified — most commonly a newly recorded document (like a lien or deed) or an MLS listing on the address. The alerts come from the title company, branded and consistent, so the homeowner recognizes the source.

Think of it this way: title insurance addresses ownership issues that exist BEFORE closing. Property Monitoring gives the homeowner ongoing visibility into certain property-related activity AFTER closing. Two different things, working together.

What it monitors

Two categories of activity. First, certain public record filings against the property — for example, a lien or a deed being recorded. Second, MLS listing activity — if the property is listed for sale on a Multiple Listing Service, the homeowner gets an alert.

Alerts include general information about the identified activity. They may not reflect every record or be fully complete, so homeowners should review carefully and decide what action, if any, to take.

What it is NOT

We're careful with the language here because the wrong framing creates the wrong expectations. Property Monitoring is not insurance, not a guarantee, and not fraud protection. It does not prevent anything — it provides awareness. No one is acting on the homeowner's behalf when an alert fires; the homeowner reviews the alert and decides whether to follow up.

It is also not real-time. Alerts are sent when activity is identified in the data sources, not the instant a document is filed at the county. And it does not monitor everything — only certain public records and MLS activity.

How buyers get enrolled

This is the part agents and escrow teams should memorize: Property Monitoring is automatically included as a post-closing service for new purchase transactions where Fidelity National Title issues the owner's policy. There is no sign-up form, no cost to the homeowner, and no extra paperwork for the agent.

The one operational detail that matters: to ensure the buyer actually receives the alerts, the buyer's email address needs to be on the title order. If escrow opens an order without a buyer email, the homeowner won't see the welcome email or the alerts. So when you're sending the purchase contract over to open title, make sure the buyer's email is in the package.

How long it runs

The property stays enrolled as long as it remains in the buyer's name. The homeowner can opt out at any time, and Fidelity may modify or discontinue the service at any time.

Why this matters for your client relationship

Most agents lose touch with buyers somewhere between the housewarming and the first refi. Property Monitoring gives the homeowner a recurring, useful touchpoint from the closing team — branded, no spam, no upsell. When an alert fires and a buyer doesn't recognize the activity, the natural first call is back to the people who closed the deal. That's an opening for you and for us.

It also gives you a concrete answer the next time a buyer asks, 'so what happens after closing?' Instead of 'nothing, really,' you can say: a complimentary monitoring service from the title company watches your property's public records and MLS activity and emails you if something gets recorded. Free, no signup, just included.

What to say (and what not to say)

Safe language: "a complimentary post-closing information service," "ongoing visibility into certain property activity," "email alerts when activity is identified," "you can review and follow up if anything looks off."

Language to avoid: don't say it "protects," "prevents," or "covers." Don't call it insurance, extra coverage, or fraud protection. Don't imply anyone is acting on the homeowner's behalf, and don't promise real-time or comprehensive monitoring. The goal is awareness, not a guarantee.

How Team Goeglein supports this

On every purchase where we issue the owner's policy, we make sure the buyer's email is captured at order opening so the enrollment lands cleanly. If a client of yours gets an alert they don't understand, send them to us — we'll walk them through what the record looks like and what their options are. Same with any consumer FAQ on the service: we keep the latest Fidelity-issued FAQ handy and can forward it to your client on request.

Questions about a live file, or want a one-page version of this you can hand to a buyer at closing? Call Matt at 310-293-0784 or Xavier at 562-217-9933.