Step 1 – Initial Request for Title Insurance / Records Search
Most commonly, the buyer’s attorney or the buyer (or in the case of a refinance, the lender) places an order for title insurance with the title company. The title company then initiates several searches that are necessary to tell the full story of the current state of the property’s title. These searches typically include county searches against the property, judgment searches against the individual parties involved in the transaction or in the chain of title, tax searches, and patriot searches, plus any searches that might be unique to a particular municipality, county or state. These searches are usually done with the help of independent search companies or through accessing online records. Full title abstracts are returned to the title agent with copies of all pertinent documents.
Step 2 – Title Examination
The skill and expertise of the title officer is the key to an accurate title report. A title insurance company begins the review by analyzing the documents of record. The title company then makes an interpretive analysis of all recorded matters to evaluate their impact on the title to the property.
Step 3 – Binder / Commitment
The title officer at the title company issues a title commitment, on behalf of the title insurer. The title commitment is an agreement to insure title on the terms and subject to the requirements set forth therein. The commitment specifies the amount of insurance, the insured parties, exceptions and requirements to be met in order to issue the policy.
Step 4 – Clearing any Clouds
The title agent then works to clear any “clouds” to the title. A cloud on the title is any irregularity in the chain of title (ownership) of the real property that would give a reasonable person pause before accepting a transfer of title. For example, if there is an open judgment on the property, the title officer contacts the parties involved to get the judgment paid and clear the title. The title officer works with buyers, sellers, lenders and their attorneys to resolve the often complex and varied title issues that can arise during the search and examination process.
Step 5 – Closing / Premium Payment
Unlike other insurance policies, there is a one-time only premium payment for title insurance. The premium is paid by the buyer / borrower at the closing table. Closing can occur at the attorney offices or offices of title agent or title company or remotely, depending on the circumstances involved.
Step 6 – Policy Issued & Delivery
After the closing, the title company issues the actual title policy on behalf of the title insurer. Then that’s it, you’re all set.
Tip: Simply let the realtor know that you want First Title Source to represent your title needs, then let us do the rest!
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