Title insurance insures against financial loss from defects in title, liens, or other matters. It protects both purchasers and lenders against loss by the issuance of a title insurance policy. Usually, during a purchase transaction, the lender requests a policy (commonly referred to as the lender's policy) while the buyers receive their own policy (commonly referred to as an Owner's Policy).
It will protect against lawsuits if the status of the title to a parcel, or real property is other than as represented, and if the insured (either the owner or lender) suffers a loss as a result of a title defect. The insurer will reimburse the insured for that loss and any related legal expenses.
Generally, there are two policies issued: the Lender's policy which insures the lender for the amount of the loan, and the Owner's policy which insures the purchaser for the purchase price.
How is title insurance different than other types of insurance?
While the purpose of most other types of insurance is to assume risk through the pooling of monies for losses happening because of unforeseen future events (like sickness or accidents), the primary purpose of title insurance is to eliminate risks and prevent losses caused by defects in title arising out of events that have happened in the past.
To achieve this, title insurers perform a thorough search and examination of the public records to determine whether there are any adverse claims (title defects ) attached to the subject property. These defects/claims are either eliminated prior to the issuance of a title policy or their existence is excepted from coverage.
The policy is issued after the closing of your new home, for a one-time nominal fee, and is good for as long as you own the property.
What's involved in a title search?
A title search is made up of three separate searches:
Chain of Title - History of the ownership of the subject property
Tax search - The tax search shows the status of the taxes and assessments
Judgment and Name Search - Searches for judgment and lies against the owners' and purchasers' name
After the three searches have been completed, the file is reviewed by an examiner who determines:
If the Chain of Title shows that the party selling the property has the right to do so.
If the taxes for the subject property show the existence of any special assessments against the land and whether or not these assessments are current or past due.
Whether there are any unsatisfied judgments on the Judgment and Name Search against the previous owners, sellers, or/and purchasers.
Rights established by judgment decrees, unpaid federal income taxes, and mechanic liens all may be prior claims on the property, ahead of the buyer's or lender's rights. The title search will only uncover issues in titles that are of public records and therefore allowing the title company to work with the seller to clear up these issues and provide the new buyer with title insurance.
Once the searches have been examined the title company will issue a commitment, stating the conditions under which it will insure title. The buyer, seller, and the mortgage lender will proceed with the closing of the transaction after clearing up any defects in the title that have been uncovered by the search and examination.
Written by Julieta Volcanes
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