01      What is a title?

                 A title is the foundation of property ownership. It is the owner's right to possess and use the property.

 

 

02      What is Title Insurance?

                 Title insurance is your policy of protection against "hidden hazards" - resulting in a claim against your ownership.

 

 

03      What is a Title Search?

                  A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. These records include deeds, court                     records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. The purpose of the search is to verify the seller's right to                   transfer ownership, and to discover any claims, defects and other rights or burdens on the property.

 

 

04       Why is transferring the title to real estate different from transferring               the title of other items, such as a car?

                   Because land is permanent and can have many owners over the years, various rights in land (such as mineral, air or utility                    rights) may have been acquired by others by the time you come into possession of it, even if the land has never before                          been built upon. So in order to transfer a clear title to a piece of land, it is first necessary to determine whether any rights                      are outstanding.

 

 

05      What kind of problems can a title search reveal?

                  A title search can show a number of title defects and liens, as well as other encumbrances and restrictions. Among these                       are unpaid taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller and restrictions limiting the use of the land.

 

 

06      Are there any problems that a title search cannot reveal?

                 Yes. There are some "hidden hazards" that even the most diligent title search may never reveal. For instance, the previous                    owner could have incorrectly stated his or her marital status, resulting in a possible claim by a legal spouse. Other "hidden                    hazards" include fraud and forgery, defective deeds, mental incompetence, confusion due to similar or identical names and                  clerical errors in the records. These defects can arise after you've purchased your home and can jeopardize your right to                      ownership.

 

 

07      How much could I lose if a claim is filed against my property?

                  That depends on the claim. In an extreme case, you could lose your entire home and property - and still be liable to pay off                   the balance of your mortgage. Most claims aren't that dramatic, but even the smallest claim can cost you time, money and                   aggravation, and you may have to pay costs for a legal defense.

 

 

08      How does title insurance protect my investment should a claim arise?

                  If a claim is made against your property, title insurance will, in accordance with the terms of your policy, assure you of a                         legal defense - and pay all court costs and related fees. Also, if the claim proves valid, you will be reimbursed for your                             actual loss up to the face amount of the policy.

 

 

09      The owner of the property has a Deed.  Isn't that proof of ownership?

                  Not necessarily. A deed is just a document by which the right of ownership in land is transferred, whatever that right may                     be. It's not proof of ownership, and it doesn't do away with rights others may have in the property. In addition, a deed                           won't show you liens or claims that may be outstanding against the title.

 

 

10      The owner of the property I want to purchase has lived in the home for              only six months. He had a title search done six months ago. Why do I                  need another one?

                  Because the owner could, in a very short time, do many things to encumber the title. For example, he could grant                                   easements or construct improvements that encroach on adjacent property. He could use the property as collateral for a                       loan or have received money, judgments, or liens which can attach to the real estate. It is necessary to conduct an up-to-                      date title search to uncover any such problems.

 

 

11      What is the difference between an Owner's Policy and a Loan Policy?

                  The seller provides an owner's title insurance policy, which is evidence to the buyer that there is a marketable title to the                       subject property. If there are problems with the title, a title search reveals them and permits resolution of the problem                           prior to closing.

 

 

12      If the builder of my home already has title insurance on the property,                why do I need it again when I purchase the land from him?

                 A title policy insuring the builder does not protect you. Also, a great many things could have happened to the land since the                  builder's policy was issued. There may be an increase in value in the property which calls for additional coverage. Liens,                        judgments and unpaid taxes for which the builders or prior owners were responsible may be disclosed after you purchase                    the property - causing you aggravation and costing you money.

 

 

13      How long does my coverage last?

                  For as long as you or your heirs retain an interest in the property and, in some cases, even beyond.