In the SOT directory, or other directories, how many counties do you claim to cover? If you purport to cover more than one primary county, plus perhaps a few adjoining ones, you may be shooting yourself in the foot.
I've heard that potential clients prefer using true local experts if they can find them, and thus avoid contacting title vendors who claim to cover large numbers of counties. The other day, quite by chance, I "overheard" a conversation that confirmed this.
A national vendor called me while I was out so the call went to voicemail. After the vendor left his message he failed to disconnect. He kept on talking, unaware that his call was still being recorded. What ensued was a lengthy and fascinating conversation between this person and a trainee who was being mentored on how to evaluate potential title vendors, contact them, and respond to certain questions the vendors might raise such as fees, payment, etc.
As they talked, they were going down the list for the county they called me about and simply rejected out of hand any vendor whose listing indicated that they covered more than a handful of counties. Didn't even give them a call. They were out. Period.
Let those who have ears listen. I sure did!