The bottom line is this:
East Alabama Title did not handle my transaction properly.
My closing coordinator was rude when I asked for clarification before closing.
My closing coordinator used factually incorrect information about a tax exemption on the property.
My closing coordinator used the WRONG millage rate when calculating taxes, only discovered by me after closing. The owner replied, “well, it worked out in your favor.”
When provided with contradictory information from the county revenue commissioner, the owner defended EAT’s work.
The owner admitted to an ignorance of military exemptions available in this area.
Even if EAT had been right in their calculations, the wrong millage rate would have left me $400 short. Since EAT was wrong, I overpaid my tax escrow by $1800, and $150 a month.
I corrected the mistake, with ZERO help or information from EAT, who just stood by their previous work, and received a refund from my mortgage company for over $2000, and a reduction in escrow payments of over $100 per month.
All of this is documented over email correspondence with my coordinator and the owner. I asked questions at the revenue commissioner’s office and was able to more accurately calculate the taxes due. I was within $5. EAT was $2500 off.
Buyer beware. This is my third closing in the area, and by far the worst of the three. I let the bank recommend closing companies, and in the future I will exercise more control over who handles real estate transactions I am a part of.
I have waited months to post this – the smoke has cleared, and my tax bill has been issued, exactly as I calculated it would.
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