Homebuyers Want Simpler Closings, Better Education and More Digital Options, Study Finds
September 24, 2026
Homebuyers may be navigating one of the most digital real estate markets in history, but many still feel overwhelmed by the path to the closing table, according to ServiceLink's 2026 State of Homebuying Report.
While affordability challenges continue to dominate the housing conversation, the study found that consumers also struggle with the complexity of the transaction itself, including understanding fees, navigating paperwork and managing the closing process. The report surveyed recent homebuyers, mortgage professionals and real estate agents about their experiences and expectations. For title insurance and settlement professionals, the findings reveal an opportunity to deliver more transparency, education and convenience to meet today’s consumer needs.
Closing Remains a Source of Stress
Buying a home remains an emotional and financial undertaking. Many consumers report feeling significant stress throughout the process. While affordability and securing financing remain top concerns, the report found that many buyers continue to feel anxious about the closing process itself. Respondents cited understanding paperwork, coordinating various parties and ensuring all financial obligations are met as key sources of stress.
The findings suggest that many consumers arrive at closing still uncertain about the documents they are signing and the costs they are expected to pay. This creates an opportunity for title and settlement professionals to provide clarity before closing day arrives. Clear explanations of documents, proactive communication and efforts to reduce surprises at the closing table can help alleviate many of the concerns consumers reported in the survey.
Understanding Title Insurance Remains an Opportunity
The study offers an encouraging sign for the title industry: many consumers report at least some understanding of title insurance costs. According to the report, 51% of homebuyers said they fully understood the fee for title insurance, while another 39% said they somewhat understood it. While that means 90% of respondents reported at least some familiarity with the charge, the findings also suggest there remains room for education, particularly among first-time buyers and consumers unfamiliar with the closing process.
More importantly, understanding the fee is not necessarily the same as understanding the protection title insurance provides. Because title insurance is purchased only a handful of times during most consumers' lives, many buyers arrive at closing with limited knowledge about title searches, title defects, policy coverage or the differences between lender's and owner's policies. Consumers may recognize the charge on a Closing Disclosure without fully understanding the work involved in examining title, resolving defects and protecting property rights.
The report suggests buyers are looking for trusted professionals who can explain complicated concepts in plain language. For title companies, that may mean investing in consumer-facing educational materials, pre-closing communications and opportunities for borrowers to ask questions before they sit down at the closing table. ALTA members have access to an array of resources and documents to help educate consumers about title insurance and the closing process. ALTA also offers a two-day virtual Consumer Marketing Workshop to help equip members with the tools needed to coach others on how to explain the benefits of title insurance to consumers
Digital Expectations Continue to Rise
The report also found that today's buyers increasingly expect technology to simplify the transaction. Consumers cited convenience, flexibility and time savings as the primary benefits of digital tools. Many respondents expressed interest in completing more portions of the transaction online and said they would welcome technology that reduces paperwork and streamlines communication.
Those expectations extend directly to closing. Buyers increasingly want options that allow them to review documents electronically, schedule appointments online and complete portions of the process remotely when permitted.
At the same time, the research suggests that consumers are not seeking technology for technology's sake. Rather, they want technology that reduces friction, increases transparency and gives them greater control over the process. Buyers continue to value education and human guidance even as they embrace digital tools.
For title and settlement companies, the message is clear: digital capabilities are increasingly becoming part of the consumer experience, but personal service remains equally important.
Balancing Technology and Trust
The overarching theme of the report is that today's homebuyers want simplicity in an increasingly complex transaction. They want transparency around costs. They want help understanding paperwork. They want flexibility in how and where they close. And they want technology that saves time without sacrificing access to knowledgeable professionals.
The findings reinforce the title and settlement industry's dual role as both a service provider and educator. As buyers continue to navigate affordability pressures and increasingly complicated transactions, the companies that can combine digital convenience with clear communication and trusted guidance may be best positioned to meet evolving consumer expectations.
Contact ALTA at 202-296-3671 or [email protected].