I'm in NJ - the title fees are set and regulated.  However that doesn't mean our searches have to stay BELOW that fee.  They charge whatever the market bears.

So, an "average" 60  year search might be 80 pages.  They charge at minimum $100 - $125 per search + county copies.

Many of the searchers here raised their prices when the State allowed the title agencies to charge more for the searches. But by law, a title agency can't make money on a search.

We are less concerned about cost than we are quality.  I'm a title examiner.  I want the best work possible - as do my clients.   

As long as we know the search is of the highest and best quality, the costs are usually whatever the market will bear.  And, it's a pass through cost to the buyer/seller/client.

Simply make sure that your search fee is covering all your costs as well as labor. (Parking, E&O, etc)  And to avoid discussion about the copy fees - see what your local Office Max, etc charges to make copies.  If it is above what the county charges you, use that as a "Market Price" example.

Most the fees I see for copies are not that high and our searches charge extra for Surrogate's Searches 



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