Settlement fee/title insurnance - Pennsylvania
Question: My cousin and I are looking at a few properties in western Pennsylvania (just outside of Pittsburgh) . I've called around and I've got a few prices from settlement companies, but I don't know if I've been quoted a higher amount because I am out of town. For those who have purchased multiple properties and have used the same settlement company, what kind of settlement fee do you typically pay? I'm seeing about $325 to $350 (PLUS title insurance). Any recommendations for settlement companies in Pennsylvania?
Also, a separate question. For those who purchase foreclosed properties with cash, do you always purchase title insurance? I'm looking at some properties that are cheap (and its for a good reason - they need a LOT of work). It appears that in Pennsylvania there is a minimum cost for title insurance. For example, I looked at a portfolio of rehab properties with an average price of $15K each. Title insurance looks to be about $550 for each property. If I purchase 10 of these houses, I'm looking at $5500 in title insurance on houses which I hope to only have for a year. So for those who purchase cash for foreclosed houses, do you always get title insurance?