FAQs

Title is the right to, or ownership of, a specific real estate property. The primary rights given by a real estate title are the right of possession, right of control, right of exclusion, right of enjoyment, and right of disposition. You can initiate a change in ownership by a will, court decree, law, or property sale. The transfer in ownership is recorded in a deed and filed with county records.

A deed is a legal document that records a transfer in ownership from one person to another and filed with county records.

A title defines the rights of ownership for a property, while the deed is the legal document that transfers ownership. Title is the right to, or ownership of, a specific property. Record of ownership and all the rights and duties of each individual that holds the property title, known as the deed, is filed with county records.

Title insurance protects a homeowner or lender against financial loss from real estate title defects or liens against a property. Any property with several ownership transfers — including when it was undeveloped land — could have a hidden title issue that can affect the current homeowner or lender.

If you are purchasing a home with a loan, your lender typically requires you to buy a title insurance policy to protect their interest in the property. 85% of our customers will also opt to purchase an owner’s policy to protect their own interests.

Settlement, also called closing, is the completion of the real estate transfer, where the title passes from seller to buyer or a mortgage lien to secure a debt.

Closing, also called settlement, is the completion of the real estate transfer, where the title passes from seller to buyer or a mortgage lien to secure a debt.

Read our “Closing Process From Start to Finish” blog for more information **quick read**

As part of a real estate transaction, your real estate agent should know what title insurance is and at which point in the purchase process to bring in a title and settlement company. Title is complex and requires an in-depth understanding of state laws and local practices. If you have more detailed questions about title and title insurance, your best bet is to consult with a title company.

Everything we do is to make the whole process easier for you. We’ll give you honest answers, we won’t try to sell you the most expensive policy in our portfolio, and we’ll hustle on the details so your closing is stress-free. Plus, we’ll ensure you get the right policy and personal service at a competitive price.

Yes, but be cautious about taking this path. Most title companies will only issue an owner’s policy on the assessed value or a recent appraisal of the property, not the purchase price of the home.

A lender’s policy only protects the lender’s interests, not yours. Furthermore, it only goes into effect if the lender takes possession of the property through foreclosure or a few other means.

A basic owner’s policy, such as the one we offer, protects you against issues that occurred before your purchase date but have not yet been discovered. For example, it can safeguard you from previous owners making a claim of ownership on the property, or a special assessment or unpaid property tax not found at the time of purchase.

The cost of title insurance varies from state to state and will depend on state regulations and the filing of title insurance rates. Some states may offer a discount on the title insurance premium if evidence shows that an owner’s policy was issued previously to the seller within a defined timeframe.