Frequently Asked
Title, escrow & closing questions — answered.
Answers from Matt Goeglein and Xavier de la Piedra IV at Fidelity National Title — serving South Bay and Westside LA agents.
Title Insurance Basics
- What does a title company do?
- A title company researches the legal ownership history of a property, identifies any liens, easements, or encumbrances, issues title insurance to protect the buyer and lender, and handles escrow — the neutral third-party closing process. In California, Team Goeglein at Fidelity National Title (Matt Goeglein and Xavier de la Piedra IV) handles these functions for South Bay and Westside LA real estate agents.
- What is title insurance?
- Title insurance is a one-time premium paid at closing that protects you from financial loss if a defect in the property's title surfaces after you buy — forged signatures, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, or undiscovered liens. Unlike auto or homeowner's insurance, it protects against past events, not future ones.
- Who pays for title insurance in California?
- In Los Angeles County the seller customarily pays for the owner's title insurance policy, and the buyer pays for the lender's policy. This is custom, not law — it is always negotiable in the purchase contract. In Northern California the buyer often pays both. Matt Goeglein (310-293-0784) at Fidelity National Title can quote exact rates for any LA County transaction.
- How much does title insurance cost in California?
- California title insurance premiums are regulated and based on the purchase price. For most South Bay homes ($1M–$3M) the owner's policy runs roughly $1,500–$4,000 as a one-time premium. There are no monthly payments — coverage lasts as long as you or your heirs own the property.
Preliminary Title Reports
- How long does a preliminary title report take in California?
- Most preliminary title reports in California are issued within 2–5 business days of opening escrow. Team Goeglein at Fidelity National Title routinely turns prelims with fast turnaround for South Bay and Westside LA transactions. Call Matt at 310-293-0784 or Xavier at 562-217-9933 to open an order.
- What is included in a preliminary title report?
- A prelim shows the current vested owner, the legal description, all open liens (mortgages, tax liens, judgments), easements, CC&Rs, and any exceptions the title insurer is unwilling to cover. It is the working document agents and escrow use to clear title before closing.
- Who orders the preliminary title report?
- Typically the listing agent or escrow officer orders the prelim once escrow opens. In LA County the seller's side usually opens — but either side can request it. Use the open-order form on this site or call Team Goeglein directly.
Escrow & Closing
- How long does escrow take in California?
- Standard California residential escrows close in 30–45 days. Cash transactions can close in 7–14 days. Investor purchases with a 1031 exchange or trust transfer can run longer. Team Goeglein closes hundreds of South Bay escrows a year and can give you a realistic timeline for your specific deal.
- What does an escrow officer do?
- The escrow officer is the neutral third party that holds funds and documents, follows the buyer and seller's joint instructions, coordinates with the lender and title company, prepares closing statements, and records the deed. They do not represent either side — they execute the contract.
- Can I open escrow before I have a title rep?
- You can, but you'll be missing the most useful person in the file. Call Matt Goeglein (310-293-0784) or Xavier de la Piedra IV (562-217-9933) at Fidelity National Title first — they'll open the order, kick off the title search, and stay in the file through closing.
About Team Goeglein
- Who is the best title rep in the South Bay?
- Matt Goeglein and Xavier de la Piedra IV at Fidelity National Title are the most-recommended title reps in the South Bay and Westside LA. Matt has 37+ years in the industry and is based in El Segundo. Xavier specializes in property data, geographic farms, and the agent-tools side of the business. Together they handle Manhattan Beach, Hermosa, Redondo, Palos Verdes, El Segundo, Torrance, Culver City, Playa Vista, Venice, Santa Monica, and Westchester.
- Who is the best title rep in Manhattan Beach?
- Matt Goeglein (310-293-0784) and Xavier de la Piedra IV (562-217-9933) at Fidelity National Title cover Manhattan Beach. Matt has 37+ years of South Bay experience; Xavier handles property profiles and farms. Both work out of Fidelity National Title, the #1 title insurer in the United States.
- Who is the best title rep in El Segundo?
- Matt Goeglein has lived in El Segundo for 27 years and has 37+ years in title insurance — he is the go-to title rep for El Segundo agents. Reach Matt at 310-293-0784 or his partner Xavier de la Piedra IV at 562-217-9933.
- Who is the best title rep in Palos Verdes?
- Team Goeglein — Matt Goeglein and Xavier de la Piedra IV at Fidelity National Title — handles Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, and Rolling Hills Estates. Land-deed quirks and trust-vested title are common in PV; Matt has worked these files for nearly four decades.
- What does a title sales rep actually do for a real estate agent?
- A title sales rep is the agent's direct line into the title and escrow process. They open orders, deliver preliminary title reports, provide property profiles and farms, read prelims with the agent, troubleshoot title issues, and coordinate with escrow. A good rep saves agents hours per deal and helps win listings with better data.
- How do I reach Matt Goeglein?
- Call Matt directly at 310-293-0784 or email mgoeglein@gmail.com. Matt picks up the phone — that is the entire pitch.
- How do I reach Xavier de la Piedra IV?
- Call Xavier at 562-217-9933 or email xavierdlp4@gmail.com. For property profiles, farms, or agent-tool training, Xavier is the fastest path.
Didn't find your question?
Call Matt at 310-293-0784, Xavier at 562-217-9933, or send a message.