Title Insurance

     Title insurance is the ultimate property protection.  In real estate, "Title" means a right to ownership.  The title insurance professional you work with is very important to the sales transaction.  If you have clear title to a house or property, it means that you own it free and clear.  The document stating your right to a property is also called a title.

Title Hazards

Various kinds of claims can exist to "Cloud" a title. Some examples are:

     ♦ Long lost relatives or heirs would show up with a claim that supersedes yours.

     ♦  Sometimes fraud, such as forgery, is involved on recorded documents.

    ♦  Liens due to foreclosure. (non payment of loans to the original lender)

     ♦  Easements (right to use of the land for other purposes like utilities, etc.)

     ♦  I.R.S. tax liens from the previous owner.

Keep is Safe

     When buying a property, the best way to protect you investment is to obtain the services of a reputable title company to do a thorough title search, and insure you against the chance of some lien or claim being overlooked.

Seller's Proof

     It is general practice in a real estate transaction for the "Seller" to purchase the title insurance policy covering the new owner.  The understanding is that the seller if proving to the new buyer that the property has clear and maketable title.  The buyer receives an owner's title policy from the title insurance company at the close of escrow to insure his interests.  The buyer is generally required by the lender to provide an additional policy of title insurance covering the lender's interest in the property for the amount of the loan he or she is taking out on the property.  This is generally paid for by the new buyer and provided to the lender at the close of escrow.

Title Claims

     In the unlikely event that an unforeseen claim to a title shows up, your title insurance policy reimburses you for all losses covered by your policy and may also provide legal support to defend you rights