Title Insurance 101: What is it?
When you’re buying a home, there are all sorts of things to think about – from finding the right property and getting a mortgage, to making sure your new home is properly insured. One type of insurance you may not be familiar with is title insurance. So what exactly is title insurance, and do you need it? Here’s everything you need to know about title insurance.
Why do you need it when buying a home?
Title insurance is an important part of real estate transactions that protects the property owner from any potential legal claims or issues relating to a property’s title. There are two types of title insurance – a lender’s title insurance policy, which protects the lender’s investment in the property, and an owner’s title insurance policy which protects the homeowner in a real estate purchase.
In cases where there is imminent risk of loss from undiscovered title defects such as liens due to unpaid property taxes or judgments against past owners, title insurance can be very essential in protecting your investment.
How title insurance protects you from potential problems with your property title?
Title insurance is a critical step in the process of buying a home or other properties. It protects you against title problems due to forged signatures, hidden liens, unknown heirs or previously undisclosed legal documents. Title insurance pays out in the event that someone makes a valid claim on the title of the property after it has been purchased, helping to protect your financial investment and legal ownership rights.
If there are any discrepancies in the public records or tax records related to the property, title insurance can also help cover those costs. Without title insurance, you would be at risk for expensive litigation to defend your ownership of the property. Investing in title insurance is an important step for ensuring peace of mind and preventing financial loss or unexpected financial burden during a real estate transaction.
What does title insurance cover? What to expect when you purchase title insurance
When you purchase title insurance, you can expect to be covered for any risks associated with your property ownership, and any legal action taken due to a dispute usually result in being covered. Title insurance covers any potential problems that may arise due to faulty records or liens on the property. This includes survey discrepancies, fraud related expenses, title problems or encumbrances, or other matters that may hinder your right of ownership.
In uncertain economic climates, this type of protection can be particularly beneficial as it can help protect against financial losses if a dispute arises over ownership rights. It is important to take the time now to research various title insurance policies and prices so that you can make sure you get one that fits your needs best.
Who issues title insurance?
Title insurance is usually issued by either an attorney or title companies that is familiar with local laws and their implications on property ownership. This means that each property will require its own personalized form of title insurance which can only be provided by individuals with a deep knowledge in real estate law.
Title insurances can be obtained from a title insurer, typically title insurance companies, title insurance agents, attorneys or banks who are licensed in the state where the property is located. Many title insurers will work with the property buyer to research the title records, provide title commitments and issue title policies.
Important factors to consider when you buy title insurance
Experience: It is important to choose a title insurance company or a title agent who has experience in the industry and is familiar with the local real estate market.
Reputation: Look for an agent with a good reputation in the community. You can ask for recommendations from attorneys, mortgage lenders, or real estate agents.
Coverage: Make sure the agent offers the types of coverage you need, such as owner’s title insurance and lender’s title insurance.
Customer service: Consider the level of customer service provided by the agent. You want to work with someone who is responsive and able to answer your questions.
What is a title search?
It is the process of researching a property’s title to verify its accuracy and legality. This is important for potential buyers because it ensures that the seller actually owns the property, and thus has the right to sell it. Additionally, it verifies there are no liens or judgments against the property that need to be cleared up before a sale can go through.
A title search also uncovers any current encumbrances on a property, like zoning restrictions or easements that give others exclusive access or rights to use the land. For all these reasons, performing title searches prior to closing on purchases is essential if anyone wants to avoid legal problems later down the road.
Factors affecting how much a title insurance costs
The exact amount of title insurance premiums is based on the market value of the property. For example, properties in high-end areas may come with higher costs due to increased materials and labor costs associated with these areas. In addition, any risks associated with a particular property such as potential water line damage or tree root displacement might also raise your premium. There may also be other ancillary charges associated with obtaining title insurance, such as survey fee and municipal search fees. These little added costs can vary from title company to title company, but they are usually minor compared to the main premium price.
Finally, the premium is a one-time fee that is paid at the time of closing, and you won’t need to worry about your property title ever after. To get quote on title insurance, contact us at Federal Standard Abstract today.
Watch our video about title insurance on YouTube:
