A title company is the corporation or company that insures the status of title on real estate (called title insurance) at a closing, and may handle other aspects of the real estate closing. A title company conducts title searches to ensure that the property does not have liens on it. Learn about the role of a title company in a real estate sale and what services it can provide.
Selling Parents’ Home After Their Death
Transferring a title from deceased owners to heirs depends on the state the property is located in. In some states, inherited property can be transferred by a court, and in others a title company may be used. It may be necessary to open probate to get the title changed on the inherited property.
Closing Should Include Tax Bill Discussion
What can you do if you receive property tax bills that were the responsibility of a previous owner? The title company who provided title insurance at the closing should be responsible for the costs. The title company certifies that a title is free and clear of all tax obligations at closing. All costs, including taxes, should be determined at closing.
Title Problems: Conflicts of Interest?
A title insurance professional comments on title insurance problems and why they happen. Problems may stem from conflicts of interest in which real estate agencies also own a mortgage company and a title company but don't disclose the relationship.
Causes Of Title Company Problems
A former title insurance processor comments on the causes of title insurance problems and gives a bit of advice that may help you with your title problems. While some of the problems are with the title companies themselves, many filter down from the mortgage companies. The biggest piece of advice from someone in the industry is to remain polite. A good attitude will help your deal much more than getting angry.
Protect Investment With Title Insurance
Before you go to closing, ask about your title insurance protection, and be sure to protect your home with an owner's title insurance policy. Just because there is a title commitment does not guaranty that the seller can convey "good" title to a buyer. If the title company has done a good job searching the title to the property, you, as the buyer, will have a good understanding of the issues that will affect your title.
Easement May Solve Title Problem
When a property line is incorrectly recorded it results in title problems, which can delay or prevent a home sale. To resolve this kind of title problem, you have to correct the documents filed with the homeowners association and possibly create an easement so that the property line becomes acceptable. It may also be worthwhile to ask the developer to modify the documents that describe the property line.
Simplifying Home Closing
When you and the seller are ready to exchange a deed for cash, it's time to head to the closing. If it's your first purchase, you might find the whole closing process to be a bit daunting, but it doesn't have to be
Mortgage Lenders May Charge Extra Fees
When you're applying for a mortgage loan you need to look out for extra fees that mortgage lenders may charge. Some of these extra fees, such as extra money toward credit reports or appraisals, are illegal under RESPA, the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act. Learn more about what mortgage fees to watch out for here.