Buying a home can be overwhelming, particularly if you are a first-time homebuyer. It’s likely that you are quickly realizing that finding your perfect home is only half the battle, the actual buying process can be just as challenging. Partnering with a qualified real estate agent and title company, however, can make all the difference.
The role of a title company in buying a home
A title company usually plays several key roles when you buy or sell a home:
- Provides title services
- Issues insurance policies
- Facilitates closings
- Finalizes files
- Records paperwork
The title company also generally functions as the settlement agent for all parties including the buyer, the seller, the mortgage lender, and any other parties involved in the transaction. There are an incredible number of details involved in buying and selling real estate, and title companies, like BesTitle, are responsible for the closing process from start to finish.
What is title insurance?
As a homebuyer, you will also rely on the title company to provide title insurance to protect yourself from any potential home property ownership issues from the past surface. The policy usually has a one-time premium that’s paid at closing and is good for as long as you (or your heirs) own the home.
Title insurance protects against financial losses caused by title defects. These defects can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Forged or fraudulent deeds
- Unrecorded liens
- Easements
- Encroachments
- Title claims from unknown heirs
Title insurance can also protect you from defects that may have occurred before you purchased the property but were not discovered until after you closed.
As you purchase your first home, it’s essential to have a reliable team working on your behalf throughout the process. A trustworthy real estate professional and title company can help you navigate through potential pitfalls and look out for your best interests.
BesTitle has been serving Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia for over 30 years. We believe that everyone deserves an easy, safe, and stress-free real estate transaction. Contact us today to get started.