What is Title Insurance?  Do You Need It?

When you buy property, whether it’s a new home, land or other real estate, the title is the legal evidence that the property now belongs to you.  During the course of the sale, an extensive title search will usually be conducted to ensure that the person selling the property has the right to transfer it, and to ensure that any outstanding claims against it, such as liens, mortgages, or easements are fully disclosed.  Because the system of recording titles in the US is not always completely accurate, disputes regarding property titles can arise, jeopardizing the new owner’s claim to the property in question.

An owner’s title insurance policy protects the buyer against any potential disputes that may arise from insufficient or inaccurate title disputes.  The title insurance company issues a policy after a comprehensive title search has been conducted, typically offering coverage in the amount of the purchase price paid.  Many times, the title insurance company is chosen “by default” by a mortgage broker or realtor, and many buyers don’t realize that there are other options out there.  While the premium for title insurance is usually paid only once, at closing, the differences in costs from one insurer to the next can be significant.  As with any insurance purchase, its advisable to consider all your options and choose the title insurance policy that best suits your needs.

Keep Your Closing Costs as Low as Possible

In today’s turbulent real estate market, closing costs are reaching all time highs.  The premium for title insurance is typically based on the purchase price of the property; with properties selling for record prices, title insurance premiums are also on the rise.  This can drive closing costs to surprisingly high levels, especially if you don’t realize that not all closing costs are set in stone.  By shopping around for a title insurance company, you could save thousands of dollars in closing costs. 

What many people don’t realize is that if you are paying for the title insurance, you have the right to choose which company to use.  You can shop around, find the best deal, and reduce your closing costs by encouraging title insurance companies to compete for your business.  At Freetitlequote.com, you can get competing quotes from up to 5 title insurance companies.  Because the companies in our network know that they are competing for your attention, you’ll know you’re getting the best possible price on the market.

Protect Your Interests with Title Insurance

There’s no question that any real estate purchase represents a significant investment.  Whether you intend to sell in a few years, or hope to make it your lifelong home, the risks of damages from title disputes is very real.  While more comprehensive land records systems are being investigated and implemented in the US, the fact is that the existing process for recording titles and transferring ownership has some deficiencies and shortcomings.  Defects in the title could lead to financial damages (especially in the cases of unresolved liens and mortgages), inability to sell or otherwise transfer the property, or even outright loss of the property in question.  While a title search is usually exhaustive, the potential damages from title defects can be devastating; title insurance is the best form of protection of your investment.