Broker of Record - trying to force me to use his title rep.
I’m in California and I’m the seller’s agent on the transaction below. My broker of record is pressuring me to use their preferred title representative/company instead of allowing me to choose my own.
They’ve stated that if they are ever sued, they want that specific company representing them. When people in our office push back, the conversation often becomes loud and confrontational.
This will be my first seller-side transaction at this brokerage, and I plan to leave after it closes.
Because I’m a 1099 independent contractor, my understanding is that the broker may not be able to require me to use a specific title rep/company, and I’m concerned this may raise RESPA issues.
Am I mistaken in thinking this could be a RESPA violation? If I do not agree to use the company they are pushing, what authority does the broker actually have over me on this transaction?
I’ve given this title rep several chances in the past, but my experience with them has been very different from the service my broker says they receive.
Part of me wants to avoid the fight since I’m leaving after this closes, but part of me feels I should stand my ground.
I’d appreciate any thoughts, opinions, or advice.