The Process

 

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SETTLEMENT PROCESS?

Initially the title order is placed with Direct Title, Inc.; we then order a title abstract, and a location survey (if necessary). We then coordinate between the borrower/purchaser, the lender and realtor or builders involved in the transaction to ensure all parties are on the same page in understanding the transaction. Our team obtains mortgage payoff amounts as well as all pertinent tax, water and Homeowners Association figures. From this we are able to prepare the title insurance commitment, the Deed, settlement sheet and in many cases loan documents. With all of this in place we are able to conduct the closing, collect and disburse all funds to the appropriate parties, record all necessary documents including deeds, mortgages and mortgage releases in the appropriate jurisdictions. Lastly, once all documents have been recorded in the County, a final title policy is issued.

 

WHAT IS TITLE INSURANCE?

There are two types of title insurance: Owner’s and Lenders’.
Owner’s title insurance protects the purchaser from title claims that may arise from the previous ownership due to issues such as fraud, forgery and filing errors.
Lenders’ title insurance is required by almost all lenders to assure them that if a title defect arises, their investment in the property is protected. Lenders require the Borrowers to pay for lender coverage as a condition of obtaining a loan.

 

WHY DO I NEED TITLE INSURANCE?

In each real estate transaction a title search is performed and these title records are only as good as the documents recorded. If a previous owner committed a fraud or forgery or if the clerk of the land records failed to record or recorded incorrectly, the purchaser is unprotected if they do not purchase Owner’s title insurance. When owners purchase title insurance the title insurance company incurs the expense of determining the validity of a claim and defending against the claim. If left up to the owner this could be not only an extremely tedious process but a very costly one. If there is a title defect, the title insurance company will pay the claim on behalf of the owner so that the purchaser retains ownership without loss.  Another option is that the title insurance company will compensate the owner for any and all losses incurred as a result of fraud. The cost of the Owner's title insurance premium is extremely modest in comparison with the potential loss from a claim and is a one-time premium.