I've written before about the two big title discounts — the reissue rate and the hold-open rate for investors. This post is different. Instead of explaining what the discounts are, I want to put real dollar amounts on the table so buyers, sellers, and agents in El Paso County know where the money actually is — and where it isn't.
Every number below comes from Chicago Title of Colorado's published rate cards for Zone 3 (El Paso, Pitkin, and Teller counties), effective February 6, 2025. Rates can change, so always confirm current pricing on your specific file.
First, a correction on how Colorado title pricing works
You'll sometimes hear that title insurance rates are "set by the state" and identical everywhere. That's true in some states, but not Colorado. Here, each title insurer files its own rate schedule with the Colorado Division of Insurance, and it has to charge what it filed. So the price isn't negotiable on a single file, but it can differ from one company to the next. That's why comparing quotes is legitimate here — as long as you compare the right thing (more on that below).
1. Check when the property last sold — the 5-year window is worth real money
Under Chicago Title's Zone 3 schedule, if the property had a prior policy within the last 5 years, the new owner's policy is charged at 55% of the basic rate. Here's what that looks like at a few common price points:
| Sale price | Basic owner's rate | Short-term rate (55%) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $350,000 | $1,385 | ~$762 | ~$623 |
| $450,000 | $1,574 | ~$866 | ~$708 |
| $550,000 | $1,757 | ~$966 | ~$791 |
| $750,000 | $2,114 | ~$1,163 | ~$951 |
The part most people miss: in Colorado Springs, the seller customarily pays for the owner's policy. That means this discount usually lands in the seller's pocket. For a listing agent, that's $600–$950 of extra net on a typical home — worth checking before you run the net sheet, not after.
Plenty of homes in El Paso County changed hands in 2021–2023, so a lot of current listings will fall inside that window. The title company confirms eligibility, so tell us the prior purchase date when you open the order.
2. The lender's policy on a purchase is cheap — if it's issued with the owner's policy
When a buyer is financing, the lender requires a lender's policy. On a purchase where an owner's policy is also being issued, Chicago Title's Zone 3 concurrent lender's policy is a flat $175. That's one reason it makes sense to issue both policies together at the same company rather than splitting them up.
Also worth knowing: Owner's Extended Coverage runs $95 on this schedule. That's not a savings, but it's cheap coverage for survey-type issues that standard coverage excludes. I covered what it does in this post on extended coverage.
3. Compare the all-in number, not just the premium
This is where quotes get misleading. One company's premium can look lower while it charges separately for things like courier fees, e-recording fees, wire fees, and document fees.
Chicago Title's Zone 3 closing fees are bundled. The standard real estate closing fee is $340, and the closing fee when there's a new loan on the purchase is $375. Those fees include courier/express mail, e-doc, e-recording, wire, and cashier's check fees.
When you compare, ask every company the same question: "What is the total title and closing cost on this file, including every fee?" That's the only fair comparison.
4. Refinancing? The pricing is flat and simple
If rates give homeowners an opening to refinance, title costs on a refi in El Paso County are predictable. Chicago Title's Zone 3 bundled refinance loan policy is tiered by loan amount:
| Loan amount | Bundled refi loan policy |
|---|---|
| Up to $100,000 | $570 |
| $100,001–$250,000 | $670 |
| $250,001–$750,000 | $845 |
| $750,001–$950,000 | $1,495 |
| $950,001–$1,500,000 | $1,595 |
| $1,500,001–$2,000,000 | $1,795 |
The refi closing fee in El Paso County is $350. So a $400,000 refinance runs about $1,195 in title and closing ($845 + $350), before recording and lender charges.
One thing to watch: the $250,001–$750,000 tier is wide. A $260,000 loan and a $740,000 loan pay the same title premium, but a loan just over $750,000 jumps to $1,495. If a borrower is sitting right at that line and was going to bring in a little cash anyway, it's worth running both numbers.
5. A second loan doesn't need a full policy
If a homeowner is taking out a HELOC or second mortgage and the lender requires title coverage, a standalone junior loan policy under Chicago Title's Zone 3 schedule is $350 up to $100,000, $450 up to $250,000, and $550 up to $500,000. That's a fraction of a full refinance, and it's often a better route than refinancing a low-rate first mortgage just to pull cash out.
What doesn't save money
- Skipping the owner's policy. Saving a one-time premium to take on unlimited title risk is a bad trade.
- Underinsuring. The owner's policy should match the purchase price. Insuring for less saves a little now and shorts you if there's ever a claim.
- Waiting until closing week to ask. Discounts like the short-term rate and the hold-open rate need to be identified early. Once the file closes, they're gone.
The quick checklist
- Did the property sell or refinance with a title policy in the last 5 years? Ask about the short-term rate.
- Is the seller paying for the owner's policy? Put the discount on the net sheet.
- Are both policies being issued together on a financed purchase?
- Is the quote all-in, including courier, wire, and recording-related fees?
- Investor flipping within a year? Set up a hold-open at purchase.
- Refinancing near a pricing tier line? Run both numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are title insurance rates the same at every title company in Colorado?
No. Each title insurer files its own rates with the Colorado Division of Insurance and must charge what it filed. Rates are not negotiable on an individual file, but they can differ between companies, so comparing total all-in quotes is reasonable.
How much can I save if the home sold within the last five years?
Under Chicago Title of Colorado's Zone 3 rate card (effective 2/6/2025), the short-term rate is 55% of the basic owner's rate when there was a prior policy within five years. On a $450,000 home, that's roughly $866 instead of $1,574, a savings of about $708. Eligibility is confirmed by the title company.
Who gets the short-term rate discount, the buyer or the seller?
Whoever pays for the owner's policy. In Colorado Springs, that's customarily the seller, so the savings usually increases the seller's net proceeds. The purchase contract controls.
How much does title insurance cost on a refinance in El Paso County?
Under Chicago Title's Zone 3 bundled refinance rates, the loan policy is $845 for loans between $250,001 and $750,000, plus a $350 closing fee in El Paso County. A $400,000 refinance runs about $1,195 in title and closing before recording and lender fees.
What should I ask when comparing title quotes?
Ask for the total title and closing cost on the file, including every fee. Some companies itemize courier, wire, e-recording, and document fees separately, which can make a lower premium look cheaper than it really is.
Want the numbers on a specific file?
Send me the address, price, and loan amount, and I'll get you the actual title and closing numbers, including whether a short-term or hold-open rate applies.
Ben Gosz, SVP Sales Executive, Chicago Title of Colorado
Email: ben.gosz@ctt.com
Phone: 719.602.9431
Figures are from Chicago Title of Colorado's Zone 3 (El Paso, Pitkin, Teller) resale and refinance rate cards, effective February 6, 2025, and are subject to change. Discounts are subject to eligibility and title company approval. Recording fees and lender charges are separate. Contact Chicago Title of Colorado for a quote specific to your transaction.