Fee Transparency

Understanding Your Closing Costs in the Rio Grande Valley

At Amigo Title, we believe you should never be surprised at your closing table. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions of your life — and you deserve to know exactly what to expect before you get there. That’s why we publish our fees openly, right here. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Alamo, a Realtor coordinating a closing in McAllen, or an investor purchasing commercial property across the Rio Grande Valley, this page gives you the information you need to plan with confidence.

Texas Title Insurance — How It Works

In Texas, title insurance premium rates are set and regulated by the Texas Department of

Insurance (TDI). This means that every licensed title company in Texas — including Amigo Title — charges the same premium rate for title insurance. The premium is calculated based on the purchase price or loan amount of the property, and you pay it once, at closing. There are no monthly premiums.

Because the premium rate is fixed by state law, the areas where title companies differ are in their escrow and closing service fees, responsiveness, and quality of service. At Amigo Title, we work hard to earn your business on all three.

Good to Know:
Texas law requires the seller to pay for the Owner’s Title Insurance Policy in most residential transactions. As a buyer, you typically pay for the Lender’s Title Insurance Policy if you are financing your purchase. Your Realtor or escrow officer can confirm who pays what in your specific transaction.

The Two Types of Title Insurance Policies- Please put in accordion format

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Owner's Title Insurance Policy

Protects you (the buyer) from title defects, liens, or ownership disputes that existed before closing. In Texas, typically paid by the seller. One-time premium — protects you for as long as you own the property.

Lender's Title Insurance Policy

Required by your mortgage lender. Protects the lender’s interest in the property. Paid by the buyer. Amount is based on the loan amount, not the purchase price.

Note: When an Owner’s Policy and a Lender’s Policy are issued simultaneously through the same title company, the Lender’s Policy premium is reduced under TDI’s simultaneous issue rate — commonly reflected as a $100 add-on to the Owner’s Policy premium rather than a full separate Lender’s Policy premium. Your escrow officer will calculate the exact amount applicable to your transaction under TDI’s promulgated rate schedule.

Common Closing Fees — What You’ll See on Your Closing Statement

In addition to the title insurance premium, you’ll typically see the following line items on your ALTA Settlement Statement or Closing Disclosure. Some are paid by the buyer, some by the seller, and some are negotiated in the contract. Your Amigo Title escrow officer will walk you through each one.

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Escrow / Settlement Fee

Charged by Amigo Title to manage and coordinate the closing — reviewing documents, disbursing funds, and ensuring all parties meet their obligations. Contact us for a quote specific to your transaction.

Title Search / Examination Fee

The fee for researching public records to verify the property’s ownership history and identify any liens, judgments, or defects. Typically included in the escrow fee at Amigo Title.

Owner's Title Insurance Premium

Set by the Texas Department of Insurance. Calculated based on the property’s purchase price using the TDI rate table. Use our Title Premium Calculator on the Resources page for an estimate.

Lender's Title Insurance Premium

Set by TDI. Calculated on the loan amount. Issued at $100 if purchased simultaneously with an Owner’s Policy.

Tax Certificate Fee

A fee to obtain an official certificate from the county tax office confirming the property’s current tax status. Passed through at cost.

Recording Fees

Charged by Hidalgo or Cameron County to officially record the deed and other instruments in the public record. Set by the county — passed through at cost.

Courier / Overnight Fees

If documents must be delivered or shipped, courier costs are passed through at actual cost.

Document Preparation Fee

Charged when legal documents outside the standard loan package must be prepared. Varies by transaction complexity.

HOA Transfer Fee (if applicable)

If the property has a homeowners association, a fee may be charged to transfer association records to the new owner. Set by the HOA, not by Amigo Title.

Survey (if required)

Some lenders require a new survey. Ordered from a licensed Texas surveyor and passed through at cost.

Important Disclaimer:
Fee estimates shown are for general guidance only. Actual fees depend on your specific transaction, property location, loan type, and complexity. Contact Amigo Title at (956) 679-3099 or use our online Order Title form to request a transaction-specific quote from your escrow officer. All title insurance premium rates are set by the Texas Department of Insurance and do not vary between licensed title companies in Texas.

Estimate Your Title Insurance Premium

Our Title Premium Calculator — already available on the Resources page — lets you estimate your Owner’s Policy and Lender’s Policy premium based on your purchase price or loan amount. Use it as a starting point, then contact us for a complete closing cost estimate specific to your transaction.

What Should You Look for in a Title Company

Communication — Will your escrow officer be available and responsive throughout the transaction?
Expertise — Is the team experienced with your type of transaction (residential, commercial, VA loan, 1031 exchange)?
Legal backing — Does the company have attorney-level oversight to catch issues before they become problems?
Transparency — Do they explain every document at the closing table, or do they rush you through?
Local knowledge — Do they understand the specific counties, lenders, and property types in the Rio Grande Valley?

At Amigo Title, our team is attorney-run, locally owned, and built specifically for the RGV
market. We serve Hidalgo and Cameron counties and any county in Texas. We take pride in
making sure every client — whether it’s your first home or your tenth investment property —
understands exactly what they’re signing.

Fee Transparency