Title Insurance = Peace of Mind

Purchasing a home is likely the biggest investment you will ever make. Before closing on the house, you will want to know that no other individual or entity has a right, claim or lien to the property.

A title insurance company does all the research to insure that a property has clear title. Making sure that a property is clear of all legal encumbrances is the job of a title company.

For a modest, one-time title insurance premium, you will receive continuous title insurance protection equal to the purchase price of the property or its current market value.

The title insurance company searches the title history of the property. Through its research, the title company can almost always identify any title problems and clear up these problems prior to closing.

Because Real Estate Law is so complicated, you need an expert to make sure that all previous transactions have been correct, so you don't end up with legal problems or a problem selling your property. Your owner's policy will describe the property and outline any recorded limitations on your ownership. It will also cover what the title company is responsible for. Title insurance usually covers:

• Contested title — Someone, usually a previous owner or occupant, claims they still own the property or have not given up their claim. In this case, the title insurance company will defend the title at no expense to you.
• Defective title — This is a general term for a legal problem with the title that cannot be corrected and includes "contested title" above. Other examples of title defects include problems with legal access to the property, easements that make the property less usable, unusable, or unsaleable. Any number of other complex problems define "Defective title" or "Clouded Title." The title insurance company will find these problems, or if they miss them, protect you from financial loss - up to the amount of the policy.