Learn all about real estate title insurance and why it is needed, from expert Bryan Nazor.
Buying a new home has a lot of ins and outs. You are not alone if you are unfamiliar with what real estate title insurance is or why you need it. Let’s start with the basics!
What is real estate title insurance?
According to Investopedia, “title insurance is a form of indemnity insurance that protects the holder from financial loss sustained from defects in a title to a property.” In simpler terms, title insurance is a form of insurance paid for by the home buyer that protects the home buyer from issues with the title that could pop up at a later date. It also protects the lender from costs that could arise from title defects. Title insurance protects against past occurrences, unlike regular insurance that usually protects against future occurrences, Bryan Nazor explains.
Why do you need title insurance?
Just as you can guess from the definition of real estate title insurance, a home buyer needs title insurance to protect themselves from possible issues with their title. Title insurance protects both homeowners and lenders against loss or damage occurring from liens, encumbrances or defects in the title or ownership of the property.
As a homeowner, Bryan Nazor suggests you purchase title insurance to protect yourself from the following situations:
- Previously unreported liens and easements on the property
- Forged transfers of ownership rights in the property
- Unintentional errors in recording or filing of documents
- Any other title defects that existed prior to the start of your policy
How do you choose your title insurance?
You can choose your own title insurance company by shopping around for the best quotes. According to Bryan Nazor, some title insurance companies will provide discounts if you purchase your homeowner’s insurance policy at the same time you purchase title insurance. Typically, title insurance is chosen by professionals, such as realtors, attorneys and lenders.
How much does title insurance cost?
In most cases, the required lender’s title insurance costs fall between $500 to $1,500, depending on where you are located and how much money you are borrowing in your home loan. Every state is different and various factors can affect the cost.
Homeowner’s title insurance is a little more expensive than the lender policies. You may pay anywhere from $700 to $2,000 on coverage. Several factors such as larger loan amounts, lower down payments and low credit scores can cause the cost of your title insurance to be higher. Bryan Nazor recommends title insurance to all real estate buyers because it will never expire and it will protect you should any issues arise after you purchase the home.
Because having a property title defect takes time and money to resolve, it is always smart to purchase title insurance, Bryan Nazor says. Title insurance is there to protect you. Home buyers should protect themselves against unknown potential issues in the past of a property and get title insurance, says Bryan Nazor.
Main Street Title & Settlement provides a complete range of title insurance and settlement services to a broad range of clientele. Main Street Title is one of the leading full-service title and settlement agencies in the New York Tri State area and is directly licensed in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C., Virginia, Ohio and Florida. Visit https://www.mainsttitle.com/ to learn more!
