Communication is vital for me, if I can't message the escrow officer and know what is going on it frustrates me.

Susan,

Service & great communication.  A

Proven success.

     With respect to Title Companies, I prefer Title Attorneys.  If a legal question or a legal issue arises, there are attorneys in house who can answer the question.  

   I know you said, "Single most imporant thing", but let me add one more:  a nice waiting area/reception room with coffee, bottled water, and clean restrooms.

Responsiveness. I don't care if they email or call, just be there if we need you.

Communication and responsiveness. I get that yall are busy too, but someone needs to keep us in the loop all the time. And AS SOON AS there is an issue we need to know. I've seen problems swept under the rug that werent going to go away but only got worse as they went longer...

the state of MA is an attorney state....

Actually you want to deal with name title company. They are almost all the same. I look for those providing traveling to clients home for convenience.

Sam

The lobby bowl with the candy has plenty of chocolate!
That should do it.

Let's be clear, good service including communication is a requirement, not a feature or benefit. Don't deliver just once and that company is deleted. 

Now what is being  asked  is for an agent to trust the title company with a client in which the agent as already invested nearly $600.  This client represents $50,000 in future earnings and one screw-up in the system of 17 players can cost the agent that client FOREVER. Hell yes we are going to be very selective.

Here is what I look for in a title company. 
They provide the tools or services to grow my business.  Guide me to a little success and I will want MORE! Remember, service and communication is a requirement, not a feature.

A title company need not hire someone at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to find the deliverable.  Actually, you only need to ask one question of the agents you are currently working with. Then carry the ball to the endzone.

NOTE: Be aware, old time agent posses ownership of the words 'I Know' and are highly unlikely to deviate from anything they are currently doing. Focus all your energy and resources on the agent segment 6 years and younger. They are still seeking and still teachable, most certainly if they are not with a 'white towers' franchise.

Professionalism. 

Service....

We don't use Title companies but, do expect my attorneys to be extremely diligent, communicate well and offer exceptional customer service to my clients.

I'm in an attorney state and responsiveness and communication skills are key in who my firm recommends, but ultimately it's the buyers choice.

A representative that is responsive and knows how to serve the best interest of our clients.

Rarely has Minot had a choice Susan Nadler . On occasion we have had two companies in town but the new guy usually bites the dust in six months.

I'm in an attorney state, but when recommending one to a buyer (although unless he's a cash buyer the attorney represents the bank) I recommend one that is a problem solver who communicates well.  I have his cell number for questions, that's important to me.

Single most important - no way.  It's a combination of professionalism, communication, knowledge, responsiveness and treating both sides equally. In my area, the seller chooses title and escrow.  Many escrow officers treat the buying side like last week's trash.  I have zero tolerance for that.