What Is Title Insurance and Do You Need It for Your Property?

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Are you in the process of buying a home? Are you wondering if you need title insurance?

In most cases, the home buying process isn’t complete without the new owner taking out a title insurance policy. If you’re taking out a loan from a bank or other lender, you’ll definitely need one. It will cover them in the event that there are any problems with a home’s title after you take over ownership.

What is title insurance, and why is it so important?

Let’s take a look. 

What Is Title Insurance?

Title insurance will protect you and your lender if a defect is discovered in the title of your property after you take ownership. These could come with a lot of headaches and legal expenses.

It’s possible to discover problems with the title of your property months or years after purchase. These could include forgeries, undisclosed heirs, or mistakes on legal documents. Your property could have unpaid liens, outstanding taxes, or even undisclosed fraud. 

If any of these problems were to get discovered after you purchased a home, you or your lender could get held responsible unless you have title insurance. For example, you could discover a lien placed on your home by a contractor. If you don’t have title insurance, you could end up paying these bills. 

Do You Need Title Insurance?

In order to get title insurance, there will need to be an extensive title search of the property you’re purchasing. It will minimize any potential liability by helping you discover any important title issues before you take possession of the property. It can also defend you against any potential litigation resulting from title concerns.

Your lender will require you to get title insurance if you’re taking out a mortgage. If, however, you aren’t borrowing money from anyone, you aren’t necessarily required to get title insurance.

It’s important to remember, however, that title insurance protects you from  the risk of legal action against you in case their is a problem with the title of your property. For most homeowners, purchasing title insurance is well worth the price. 

How Much is Title Insurance?

Your title insurance can cost you anywhere from $1,374 to $2,000. It’s usually paid upfront in one lump sum. Your total costs and fees when you close on your home will usually include the cost of title insurance.

The total cost of your policy will depend upon a number of factors. These could include the type of property you’re purchasing, the purchase price, and your loan amount. You’ll also want to think about your geographical location, amount of coverage, and service fees.

Determining a reasonable estimate for your title insurance cost will require taking all ot these things into account. It also helps to get estimates from at least three different companies to make sure the price you’ll be paying is reasonable for your home type and location.

How Do I Choose a Title Insurance Policy?

Your real estate agent may work closely with a title insurance company. You’ll want,for example, to make sure that the company has expertise in your local area, as well as a good reputation within the community. Reading online reviews is a good way to guage this.

You’ll also want to consider what’s included in your policy’s fees. For example, some may include services like conducting the closing or notorizing documents. Shop around to make sure you’re getting a good return on your investment. 

What Does a Title Insurance Agent Do?

Title insurance agents are responsbible for issuing policies designed to protect both the owner and/or lender of a property against lawsuits or claims that might arise against it.

The title insurance agent will first review your property for defects that include unpaid liens or outstanding taxes. Next, they will issue your policy.

At the closing, your title insurance agent may act as an agent for each party. They may gather signatures for closing documents and receive and distribute any payments. Your title insurance agent may also act as an escrow officer in the real estate deal. 

After you closing is over, your title officer will record your deed and mortgage. They may also retain any other documents that need to get filed with your county records office.

What Are the Advantages of Title Insurance?

Title insurance provides security for both the owner and the lender. With you have a title insurance policy, your bank or other lending insitutution will be willing to lend you more money. This is true even when you’re purchasing a home in a location that’s not well known by them.

Title insurance will also last the owner a long time. In fact, it will cover you as long as you or your heirs have an interest in the property.

If a dispute does arise regarding the title of your property, your title insurance company will provide you with legal counsel. They’ll also reimburse you for any legal costs involved. If a valid claim is made against your property, the title insurance company will also refund you for any financial losses.

A Smart Decision

What is title insurance? In short, it’s protection against any problems that could arise with the title of your new home after you purchase it. If you’re looking for insurance against any potential financial calamities brought on by previous owners of your home, title insurance is one of the best decisions you can make.

Don’t stop improving your knowledge of real estate now. For more great advice, read our blog today.

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