Terms and Conditions of Use

Welcome to the website of Vanguard Settlement Services, LLC d/b/a Vanguard Settlement Alliance (“Vanguard Settlements,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). By accessing or using our website, located at https://vanguardsettlements.com/ (the “Site”), or any of our settlement, title, or related services, you agree to comply with and be bound by the following Terms and Conditions of Use (“Terms”). Your use of the Site is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which is incorporated into these Terms by reference (available at: https://vanguardsettlementservices.com/privacy-policy).

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS CAREFULLY. IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS, YOU MUST NOT USE THIS SITE OR OUR SERVICES.

Vanguard Settlements is part of an affiliated group of companies. This disclosure is provided to you because Vanguard Settlements, and certain other entities, are affiliated as described below and may refer you to one another for settlement service and/or real estate related services. You are not required to use any affiliate as a condition of receiving services, except as permitted by law.

A. Affiliated Business Arrangement Disclosure (RESPA; 12 U.S.C. § 2607; 12 C.F.R. Part 1024)

Affiliated Entities / Common Ownership: Vanguard Settlement Services, LLC d/b/a Vanguard Settlement Alliance (“Vanguard Settlements”), Vanguard Lending, LLC (“Vanguard Lending”), and Vanguard Realty Alliance, LLC d/b/a VRA Realty (“VRA Realty”) share common ownership and/or are under common control.

Nature of Relationship / Financial Benefit: Because of these relationships, a referral of business to any of these affiliated entities may provide Vanguard Settlements, its owners, and/or its affiliates with a financial or other benefit, including profits, dividends, distributions, or other economic benefits derived from the operation of the affiliated business.

Services Typically Provided: These affiliates may provide, among other things, the following services:

• Vanguard Settlements: settlement/closing services, title insurance and title-related services (as licensed/authorized), escrow/closing coordination (as applicable), and related settlement services.
• Vanguard Lending: mortgage lending and/or loan origination/financing services (where licensed/authorized).
• VRA Realty: real estate brokerage and related real estate services (where licensed/authorized).

B. Consumer Choice / No Required Use

CONSUMER CHOICE: YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE VANGUARD LENDING OR VRA REALTY AS A CONDITION OF SETTLEMENT OF A LOAN ON, OR THE PURCHASE, SALE, OR LEASE OF, ANY SUBJECT PROPERTY. THERE ARE FREQUENTLY OTHER SETTLEMENT SERVICE PROVIDERS AVAILABLE WITH SIMILAR SERVICES. YOU ARE FREE TO SHOP AROUND TO DETERMINE THAT YOU ARE RECEIVING THE BEST SERVICES AND THE BEST RATES FOR SUCH SERVICES.

C. Estimated Charges

Charges for settlement, title, and/or related services will vary depending on the services requested, the property, the transaction, and applicable state-filed rates and regulations. Any quotes or estimates are subject to change and do not constitute a binding offer until confirmed in writing for your transaction.

D. Written Acknowledgment

You may be asked to acknowledge receipt of this disclosure electronically or in writing. If you do not wish to receive referrals to affiliates, you may still obtain the services you need from non-affiliated providers of your choice.

Vanguard Settlements provides title insurance, settlement services, and closing coordination for real estate transactions across Pennsylvania (PA), Delaware (DE), and New Jersey (NJ). All services are subject to applicable underwriting requirements, state-filed rates (where applicable), and local regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction.

By using this Site, requesting information, scheduling a closing, or providing your contact information through our forms, you agree to the following:

A. Checkbox Opt-In Mechanism (Required for Marketing/Promotional Outreach)

Where our Site or forms provide an unchecked checkbox (or similar affirmative action) asking you to agree to receive calls, texts, emails, and/or pre-recorded/artificial voice messages, you must check the box to provide consent for marketing communications. The checkbox form records your consent state, the timestamp, and the version of these Terms accepted at the time of submission.

• No pre-checked boxes. Any marketing consent we request will require your affirmative action.
• Transactional vs. marketing. We may contact you without a marketing opt-in for transactional, servicing, or administrative purposes (e.g., coordinating a closing you requested, responding to an inquiry, sending required notices).
• No consent by reply alone. A simple reply to a text message, or leaving a voicemail, does not constitute valid consent for marketing communications unless paired with a compliant opt-in process where required by law.

B. Consent to Be Contacted (Methods; Autodial/Prerecorded Where Permitted)

If you opt in (or otherwise provide consent where permitted), you agree that Vanguard Settlements and/or our service providers may contact you at the telephone number(s) and email address(es) you provide, including via:

• telephone calls (including mobile),
• SMS/text messages,
• emails, and
• pre-recorded/artificial voice messages and/or automated dialing systems, where permitted by applicable law.

Standard message and data rates may apply. Consent is not a condition of purchasing any goods or services. Any claims arising from such communications are subject to the Arbitration Agreement and Class-Action Waiver in Section 12.

C. Communication with and Sharing Information Among Affiliates

You expressly consent and authorize Vanguard Settlements to communicate with and share your information with our affiliates, including Vanguard Lending, LLC and VRA Realty, for the purposes of:

• providing and coordinating requested services;
• verifying or updating transaction details;
• quality control, compliance, auditing, risk management, and recordkeeping; and
• where you have opted in (or where otherwise permitted by law), informing you about related products and services that may be relevant to your transaction.

Shared information may include personal identifiers and transaction data (for example: property address, closing dates, fees, loan amounts, and other transaction terms) as necessary for the purposes above.

D. Opt-Out / Revocation of Consent

You may opt out of marketing emails using the “unsubscribe” link (if provided). For texts, you may reply STOP (or another keyword indicated in the message) to opt out of future marketing texts. You may also contact us using the information in Section 13. Opting out of marketing communications does not affect transactional communications necessary to provide services you request or that are required by law.

E. Accuracy of Contact Information

You represent that the contact information you provide is accurate and that you are authorized to receive communications at the number(s) and address(es) you provide.

You must be at least 18 years of age to use this Site (this 18+ age gate is intentional). You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes related to the inquiry of title and settlement services. You are prohibited from using the Site to harvest data, transmit malware, or interfere with the Site’s functionality.

While we strive to provide accurate information, including through any calculators, checklists, or informational resources, all content on the Site is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, accounting, underwriting, or financial advice. Any estimates or quotes provided on the Site are non-binding and for informational purposes only. Final title insurance premiums, settlement fees, and third-party charges are determined by applicable state-filed rates (where applicable), vendor pricing, lender requirements, and the specific details of your transaction at the time of closing.

All content on this Site, including logos, text, graphics, and software, is the property of Vanguard Settlements or its affiliates and is protected by United States copyright and trademark laws. Unauthorized use of any material on this Site is strictly prohibited.

A. Site and Services Disclaimers

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, THE SITE AND ANY CONTENT, TOOLS, OR MATERIALS PROVIDED THROUGH THE SITE ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ACCURACY, OR THAT THE SITE WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE.

Vanguard Settlements does not guarantee that documents, communications, or information transmitted through the Site will be secure or free from interception, and you use the Site at your own risk.

B. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, VANGUARD SETTLEMENTS AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR ACCESS TO, OR USE OF, THE SITE OR SERVICES, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

IF LIABILITY CANNOT BE EXCLUDED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW, THEN TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED, OUR TOTAL LIABILITY FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE SITE SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS (US $100) OR THE AMOUNT YOU PAID TO US FOR USE OF THE SITE (IF ANY), WHICHEVER IS GREATER.

C. Third-Party Providers

We are not responsible for the acts, omissions, services, content, or practices of third parties, including third-party websites, calculators, vendors, or service providers, even if linked from or integrated with the Site.

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Vanguard Settlements, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates from and against any claims, losses, or expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of your violation of these Terms or your use of the Site.

These Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal action or proceeding relating to your access to or use of the Site shall be instituted in a state or federal court in Chester County, Pennsylvania.

The Site may contain links to third-party websites (e.g., the FNF Rate Calculator link currently available on the live site at https://ratecalculator.fnf.com/?id=vanguardsettlements). We do not control and are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of these third-party sites.

We reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting to the Site. Your continued use of the Site following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of such changes.

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT AFFECTS YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING YOUR RIGHT TO FILE A LAWSUIT IN COURT AND YOUR RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN A CLASS ACTION.

A. Mandatory Individual Arbitration. You and Vanguard Settlement Services, LLC d/b/a Vanguard Settlement Alliance (“Vanguard Settlements”) and its affiliates, including Vanguard Lending, LLC and Vanguard Realty Alliance, LLC d/b/a VRA Realty (collectively, the “Affiliates”), agree that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to: (i) these Terms; (ii) the Site; (iii) our Services; (iv) any communications from us or our Affiliates, including telephone calls, text messages, and emails (including claims under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (“TCPA”), 47 U.S.C. § 227, or any similar state law); or (v) your relationship with us or our Affiliates, shall be resolved exclusively by final and binding individual arbitration. The Affiliates are express third-party beneficiaries of this Arbitration Agreement and may compel arbitration and invoke the class-action waiver to the same extent as Vanguard Settlements.

B. Class-Action Waiver. YOU, VANGUARD SETTLEMENTS, AND ITS AFFILIATES (INCLUDING VANGUARD LENDING, LLC AND VANGUARD REALTY ALLIANCE, LLC D/B/A VRA REALTY) AGREE THAT EACH PARTY MAY BRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE OTHER ONLY IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, AND NOT AS A PLAINTIFF OR CLASS MEMBER IN ANY PURPORTED CLASS, REPRESENTATIVE, OR PRIVATE ATTORNEY GENERAL PROCEEDING. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person’s claims, and may not preside over any class, representative, or private attorney general proceeding. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Mass Arbitration provision in Section 12.K is an administrative batching mechanism and is not a consolidation of claims on the merits; each individual claim within a batch retains its separate character and shall be resolved on its own merits by the arbitrator. This waiver is severable from the rest of this arbitration provision. If a court or arbitrator determines that this class-action waiver is unenforceable as to any claim, then that claim (and only that claim) shall proceed in court and shall be severed from arbitration.

C. Initiation of Arbitration. A party intending to initiate arbitration must send a written notice describing the claim to the other party. For you, send notice to: Vanguard Settlement Services, LLC, 1244 West Chester Pike, Suite 401, West Chester, PA 19382, Attn: Legal. We will send notice to the email address or physical address we have on file for you. If the dispute is not resolved within 60 days after the notice is received, either party may commence arbitration.

D. Arbitration Procedure. The arbitration will be administered by a nationally recognized arbitration provider (such as the American Arbitration Association or JAMS) in accordance with its consumer arbitration rules in effect at the time the claim is filed, as modified by these Terms. The Federal Arbitration Act (“FAA”) governs the interpretation and enforcement of this Arbitration Agreement. The arbitrator, not any federal, state, or local court or agency, shall have exclusive authority to resolve any dispute relating to the interpretation, applicability, enforceability, or formation of this Arbitration Agreement, including any claim that all or any part of this Arbitration Agreement is void or voidable.

E. TCPA Claims. For any claim arising under the TCPA or any similar state law, the arbitration will be conducted in the county of your residence, or another mutually agreed location. The arbitrator shall apply the applicable statute of limitations and shall have the authority to award all remedies available under applicable law, including statutory damages and attorneys’ fees.

F. Confidentiality. The arbitration proceedings and any award shall be confidential, unless disclosure is required by law or is necessary to enforce or challenge the award in court.

G. Governing Law for This Section. This Arbitration Agreement is governed by the FAA. The arbitrator shall apply Pennsylvania law to all other claims and disputes, consistent with these Terms.

H. Survival. This Arbitration Agreement survives the termination of these Terms and your relationship with Vanguard Settlements. If any part of this Arbitration Agreement is found to be unenforceable, the unenforceable part shall be severed, and the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.

I. Opt-Out. You may opt out of this Arbitration Agreement by sending a written notice to the address above within 30 days of first agreeing to these Terms. Your opt-out notice must state your full name, address, and a clear statement that you opt out of this Arbitration Agreement.

J. Assent Mechanism. By checking the opt-in checkbox on any form on the Site, you affirmatively acknowledge, agree, and consent that you have read, understand, and agree to be bound by these Terms, including the Arbitration Agreement and Class-Action Waiver in this Section 12. This checkbox-based acknowledgment is intended to provide affirmative, written assent to the arbitration provisions and to strengthen enforceability under applicable law, including the Federal Arbitration Act.

K. Mass Arbitration. If 25 or more similar individual arbitration demands are filed against Vanguard Settlements or its Affiliates by the same or coordinated counsel, the parties agree that the arbitration provider shall administer the claims in batches of 25 claims each, with each batch treated as a single consolidated arbitration with one arbitrator, one filing fee, and one set of procedural deadlines. Any claims not included in a batch shall be held in abeyance until the preceding batch is resolved. If the arbitrator determines that claims are not sufficiently similar for batching, they shall be handled individually. This Mass Arbitration provision is intended to address the practical realities of mass arbitration filings and to ensure fair and efficient resolution.

If you have any questions regarding these Terms or the Affiliated Business Arrangement, please contact us at:

Vanguard Settlements 1244 West Chester Pike, Suite 401 West Chester, Pennsylvania 19382 United States Phone: (484) 206-7553 Email: info@vanguardsettlements.com