The real estate purchase is full of insurance. Private mortgage insurance (PMI or MIP in the case of FHA loans) is sometimes demanded by the lender to ensure the loan is repaid if the borrower defaults on the loan.
Homeowner’s insurance is also a necessity to protect the lender’s financial interests – it ensures the lender in case of damage of the loss of the loan’s security – the house.
Finally, there is title insurance, typically a point of confusion for both buyers and sellers.
It’s important for new agents to quickly get up to speed on all aspects of the purchase and sale transaction. When you can explain each step, each aspect, to your client, in easy-to-understand terms, they will appreciate your knowledge and professionalism.
Since this is a prerequisite to being referred to family and friends, let’s get you familiar with the title insurance that your buyer most likely knows nothing about.
Some of this you may have learned in real estate school so feel free to skip over those parts.
What is it?
Title insurance proves that there is no other person or entity that has a claim against or lien on the title of the home the buyer is purchasing.
Some of the more common “clouds” on a property’s title you learned about in real estate school so they’re probably still fresh in your memory. Just in case they aren’t, they include:
- Fraud
- Unpaid taxes
- Forgery
- Liens
- Undisclosed heir of a previous owner
There are two types of title insurance
The title insurance policy is typically paid for at closing and listed as an expense, either buyer’s or seller’s, on the closing disclosure.
One title policy covers the lender and the other covers the owner in the event that problems turn up that weren’t found during the title search.
In most instances, the buyer pays for the lender’s policy.
An owner’s policy is not required and who pays for it is negotiable. Typically, it’s the seller.
The Process
Shortly after escrow opens, someone will order a title search. You will most likely be the one to order it, but it varies by region.
Title officers use a number of different methods in their searches. Public records will tell them about liens or other claims. Some of the records searched include those located at county courts, the county recorder, tax assessors, surveyors.
Problems unearthed during the search are commonly called “clouds” on the title. Common issues include:
- Unpaid taxes owed on the property
- Liens
- Boundary issues
- Clerical errors
- Encroachments
- Errors in marital status
When a defect is found
Although it’s not the end of the world as we know it, a cloud on the title can significantly slow down a transaction. The time it takes to clear it depends on the type of error.
Clerical errors are typically the easiest to clear. Finding lost heirs or the need to go to court to clear a defect may take a significant amount of time.
The prelim
If all goes well, your client will be given a preliminary title report (“prelim” for short). This report outlines the title investigation and what was found.
It’s vital that you understand how to read the prelim and how to explain its contents to your client. While we don’t have time to go over the intricacies, you’ll find a brilliant YouTube video walk-through from Steve Ayers with Orange Coast Title Company, here.
As you walk your client through the prelim, keep your opinions of the contents to yourself. The most important thing to remember is to refer your client to a legal professional if the defect warrants it.
Never give your opinion or advice on legal matters. It’s a sure path to court and one of the most common reasons agents end up there.
The title process is one that confuses most new agents. Do some research and read through some sample prelims so you can sail through the process when you’re sitting with a client.
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