Whether you’re buying your first home, refinancing, or handling a commercial deal, understanding title insurance is key to protecting your real estate investment. At BesTitle, we’re here to make title services simple, secure, and stress-free across Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
What is a title?
A title is your legal right to own, use, and control a property. It includes rights of possession, control, enjoyment, exclusion, and transfer. Titles are transferred via deeds and are recorded at the county level.
What does a title agency do?
A title agency like BesTitle searches public records to ensure the title is clear, meaning it is free from liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, or claims. We also issue title insurance and manage the closing process to ensure every transaction is secure and legally compliant.
What is a closing?
Also called “settlement,” closing is when the property officially changes hands. This is where funds are transferred, documents are signed, and ownership is finalized.
What is escrow and does BesTitle handle it?
Yes, we do. As your escrow agent, BesTitle securely holds funds and documents, coordinates with lenders, and ensures everything is ready before disbursement.
Is title insurance really necessary?
Though it is not a requirement, it is absolutely recommened to purchase title insurance. Title insurance protects against hidden risks, including prior fraud, recording errors, or unpaid liens, that could impact your ownership. It’s a one-time cost that protects you and your heirs for as long as you own the property.
What’s the difference between an Owner’s Policy and a Lender’s Policy?
An Owner’s Policy protects your ownership rights. A Lender’s Policy protects the lender’s interest until the mortgage is paid off. Both are important, and BesTitle can issue both.
Do I need title insurance on new construction?
Yes. Even if the home is new, the land it’s on may carry past title issues. Plus, unpaid contractors or suppliers could file liens. Title insurance gives peace of mind.
How much does title insurance cost?
It’s a one-time premium paid at closing. Rates vary by state but are regulated, and we’re happy to provide a quote anytime.
Do all title companies handle closings?
Not all. But BesTitle does. We offer full-service, attorney-managed closings to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
What is a title report?
A title report is a summary of what we find during a title search, such as easements, liens, or other property restrictions. It helps uncover any red flags before closing.
What isn’t covered by title insurance?
Title insurance doesn’t cover issues found in a home inspection or anything you already knew about the title. We’ll walk you through your policy so there are no surprises.
Additional FAQs About BesTitle Services
What is a 1031 exchange and can BesTitle help?
A 1031 exchange lets real estate investors defer capital gains taxes when they sell one property and buy another. BesTitle’s commercial team can guide you through this process smoothly and compliantly.
Do you offer seller net sheets?
Yes. We provide easy-to-understand seller net sheets that estimate closing costs and net proceeds. It’s a helpful tool for sellers and agents planning a transaction.
Which areas does BesTitle serve?
With 16 locations, we proudly serve communities throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky with local offices and teams who understand your market.
Why choose BesTitle?
Because we combine attorney oversight, modern technology, and friendly, local service. We communicate clearly, close on time, and make the process seamless for agents, lenders, buyers, and sellers.
What about commercial title insurance—how is it different?
Commercial real estate deals often involve multiple parties, complex financing, and larger risks. BesTitle provides comprehensive title and escrow services tailored for commercial closings, including due diligence, multi-site transactions, and 1031 exchanges. Our legal oversight ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
How does BesTitle protect against wire fraud?
We use Qualia Shield, a secure platform that verifies identities and protects sensitive information during your transaction. It helps prevent fraud attempts by ensuring communication and document sharing happen in a trusted environment.
What is BesTitle Academy?
BesTitle Academy provides continuing education classes to the real estate agent community through its BesTitle Academy. Classes offered meet the varying real estate continuing education requirements in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky and are taught by our staff attorneys.
Still have questions?
We’d love to answer them. Contact your local BesTitle office or visit bestitle.com for personalized support and a smooth closing experience.