Mid-Continent Title

Wednesday's Word of the Week: Escrow 💼🔑

What it means: A neutral third party (like us!) holds onto important funds and documents during a real estate transaction. We keep everything safe until both the buyer and seller meet all the contract requirements.

Why it matters: It ensures a fair, secure, and stress-free closing for everyone involved. No surprises, just a smooth handoff!

🔐 MYTH vs. FACT: Wire Fraud Edition 🔐

MYTH: Wiring instructions sent by email are always safe.

FACT: Email can be compromised. Always verify wiring instructions directly with your title company before sending funds.
A quick phone call can help protect a very big transaction. 🏡✨

Secure your closing. Protect your peace of mind.

Fraud Friday: Don’t Get Caught in the Trap! 🚩

Before you click that link or respond to that urgent email, pause and look closer. 🛑 Phishing emails are getting smarter, but they almost always leave clues.

1. Check the sender's actual address, not just the display name.

2. Watch out for artificial urgency ("Wire your closing funds within 24 hours or delay closing!").

3. Hover before you click to preview destination links.

Save this post and share it with someone who needs a Fraud Friday refresher! 💾

A secure closing starts with the right partnership. 🔐 Mid-Continent Title and ClosingLock work together to keep your transaction protected and make closing day a total breeze! 🍂🏡

In our local market, it is customary for sellers to pre-sign paperwork ahead of the official closing date. Whether you choose to sign early or attend in person on the big day, make sure you check off these absolute essentials:

🆔 1. Government-Issued Photo ID
Bring a valid driver's license, passport, or state ID. The escrow or title officer needs to verify your identity before signing legal transfer documents and deeds. If selling jointly, all owners on the title must bring valid IDs.

🏦 2. Bank Details for Proceeds
Bring your bank's routing and account numbers (or a canceled check) so your proceeds can be wired directly to your account after funding, or confirm your payout preferences with the settlement agent ahead of time. Tip: Please bring the bank account information necessary to wire proceeds to an account that matches how you are vested in title. Example: If you are vested in your Trust name, you will need an account in your Trust name.

🔑 3. Keys, Remotes & Access Codes
Gather all house keys, deadbolt keys, garage door openers, gate codes, and security system codes to hand over or leave on the kitchen counter for the buyer.

📝 4. Property Info & Warranties
Bring or leave any user manuals, warranty documents for appliances/systems, major repair receipts, or contractor contacts that will be helpful for the new homeowner.

💻 5. Fully Charged Phone or Laptop
Bring a device in case you need to access your email, approve final digital disclosures, or complete last-minute e-signatures before closing can be finalized.

Closing day is exciting, but it can also feel like a whirlwind! To ensure everything goes smoothly and you walk away with your new keys without a hitch, make sure you check off these essentials:

🆔 Government-Issued Photo ID
Bring a valid driver's license and /or passport. The notary or escrow officer needs to verify exactly who you are before you sign. TIP: Some lenders require two forms of valid photo ID

🏦 Certified Funds
Make sure you have your exact closing costs and down payment ready in the form of a cashier's check or a pre-arranged wire transfer. We accept cashiers checks up to $5,000. Anything over this amount MUST be wired. Wiring instructions will be sent to you via Closing Lock. Be sure to ALWAYS confirm wire instructions directly with our office PRIOR to sending funds. TIP: In case of any last minute changes to the closing amount, please bring a checkbook. We will accept a personal check up to $250 issued by a local bank.

📝 A Smartly Timed Final Walkthrough
Make sure to schedule your final walkthrough with enough time to thoroughly check the property and still arrive at your closing appointment on time.

💻Smart Phone or Laptop
Bring your cell phone (or Laptop) with you to the table.
Some lenders require you to esign certain loan or disclosure documents digitally before or at the closing table before funding can be authorized.

🚨 Wire fraud is on the rise. 🚨

At Mid-Continent Title Company, we take your security seriously. That’s why we use Closinglock—a secure, encrypted portal that completely eliminates the risk of email-based phishing scams.Here is how you can RECOGNIZE the signs, SHIELD your hard-earned money, and PREVENT fraud before it happens:

👀 RECOGNIZE
False Urgency: Be highly suspicious of any last-minute, time-sensitive emails demanding immediate wire transfers.
Email Red Flags: Scammers often impersonate closing teams using slightly misspelled or altered email addresses.

🛡️ SHIELD
Log In Securely: Always access, upload documents, and view your wire instructions directly through our secure Closinglock portal.
Verify by Phone: Never wire funds without verbally confirming the transaction details over the phone with your trusted Mid-Continent contact.

🛑 PREVENT
Stop and Report: If you ever receive wiring instructions via standard email, text, or phone call that feel out of place, stop immediately. Call us directly to verify before moving any money—it's the smartest move you can make!

Wondering what happens behind the scenes after your home offer gets accepted? That’s where we come in!

At MidContinent Title, our priority is to make sure the property you're buying is truly yours—free of hidden liens, boundary issues, or past ownership surprises.

Here is what we do for you:
- Thorough title searches for peace of mind
- Secure handling of escrow funds
- Clear, stress-free closing day guidance

Moving soon? Let’s get you to the closing table! Give us a call at (918) 221-3091 or visit us at https://midcontitle.com/ to get started.