When I started in NJ in 1975 a continuation search was $35, now it is usually $80 but more and more I face competition from new (i.e. inexperienced, untrained) abstract companies that undercut my prices. My current fee for a full 60 year search is currently $125, the most expensive in my county. The title agent can only charge $105 and they have to eat the extra $20 unless I can charge separately for copies. NJ is a "metes and bounds" state and here in Warren County we are still cutting up farms. It has always bothered me that the more complicated the search is the less I make. Many of my competitors are not able to do the tough complicated searches but are more than willing to steal my continuations.

Prior to the last few years I always figured that the continuation search prices helped to subsidize the tiny profit on full searches. Now I wish I could just do continuations, but it is mind-numbing work.

And yes Sandy, I remember when a rush meant less than 2 weeks. I have clients now who demand 24 hour turnaround. Prospective clients used to question me about my experience and abilities, now all they ask is "what is your turnaround and how low can you go on the price?".



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