It depends. Sure, there is more money to be made if I handle the complete transaction (i.e. search, closing, and issue the policy), but it takes much more work on my part.  I am a licensed agent and I have a small title agency, but I also maintain an abstracting business separate from the agency.  My examiner can do the searches and return them to clients who only want a search and it doesn't require too much of my time.  With running the businesses, Source of Title, and going to law school, my time is in short supply.

Thus, I am fine providing whatever the client needs.  Sometimes it is just a search, and occasionally I'll do a witness-only closing for them, too.  If I don't have to clear the title, prepare the settlement statement and disburse escrow funds, I'm okay with that. 

There are a lot of agencies that probably don't want to be bothered by the abstracting side of things - there is a small profit margin and a lot of potential liability.  But, that is the nature of the abstracting business.  I started in the title business as an abstractor, so I guess I am used to it.

Best,
Robert A. Franco
SOURCE OF TITLE