Since I have started to do title research in 1998, I have always required payment up front for any title searches that I do.  This lets me know who is serious about having a search done for them.  Most of the time they have the money available and at other times the individual contacts me again when they have the money.  And I usually have the searches and runsheet ready within a week or two (depending on how extensive the search becomes) for the client.

David Keeling, Huntsville, Texas