How / Why can a seller dictate title company

[Chris Haas]

Example listing. http://reading.craigslist.org/reo/4075606608.html

Question is what is the motivation for dictating a title company?

I assume if you said no, I want mine they could simply turn down your offer, however, is that normally in a purchase agreement?

Please share any guesses you have as to why I see this more than on occasion. My only guess is they have some financial benefit, or just a comfort level with a specific title company.

[David Krulac]

@Jerry Kisasonak

I almost always let the buyer select their own title company, bank, home inspector, etc. There could be some circumstance as above that title should be one place over another.

Just like Chris, the op, buyers can be suspicious about requirements to go a specific place for some real estate service. By allowing the buyer to independently select their service provided all suspicions are removed. It allows the buyer to feel that I have nothing to hide, which I don't.