I may be missing something here but this post states that the SELLER is choosing the title company NOT the R.E. Agent. I am not sure what state you are in but here in Florida the SELLER has the right to choose the Title Company since they are paying for the Title Insurance to you, the buyer. I am assuming you are getting an owner's policy on this. With all the issues behind this parcel you would be crazy not to. So it would seem to me if the seller is the one requiring which title company you use then he is within his rights. Please let me know if I missed something. When you say HIS title company to whom are you referring? Do one of the parties actually have an interest in the title company?