BUYERS
This page will help support you understanding the Buyer responsibilities for Title Insurance. If you need to fill out your BUYER information form please use the form at the bottom of this page. It will be sent directly to your closing team.
You Don’t Have to Train Your Dog
...but it’s a smart idea.
You don’t have to buy an Owner’s title insurance policy, but it’s a smart idea.
You Don’t Have to Train Your Dog
...but it’s a smart idea.
You don’t have to buy an Owner’s title insurance policy, but it’s a smart idea.
For most people, purchasing a home is one of the single largest investments we ever make. As you near the day of your closing, all the paperwork and little details can become overwhelming. It can be very easy to overlook one of the most important steps in the settlement process – purchasing owner’s title insurance on your new home.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T THINK ABOUT IT, BUT YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME BECAUSE ANOTHER PERSON LEGALLY HAS A RIGHT TO IT. PURCHASING OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE GIVES YOU PEACE OF MIND AND ENSURES YOU ARE COVERED.
For most people, purchasing a home is one of the single largest investments we ever make. As you near the day of your closing, all the paperwork and little details can become overwhelming. It can be very easy to overlook one of the most important steps in the settlement process – purchasing owner’s title insurance on your new home.
MOST PEOPLE DON’T THINK ABOUT IT, BUT YOU CAN LOSE YOUR HOME BECAUSE ANOTHER PERSON LEGALLY HAS A RIGHT TO IT. PURCHASING OWNER’S TITLE INSURANCE GIVES YOU PEACE OF MIND AND ENSURES YOU ARE COVERED.
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Excellent title company and Cindy took really good care of us. Would recommend to anyone who needs a professional company for title work. — Carl Marotzke
The BESTEST! No other Title Closer is more experienced and knowledgeable as Crystal! ALWAYS happily available for answers on files! Gosh, too many positive superlatives necessary than this space can hold! Thank you Crystal, Cindy and Teresa for all your grrreat service!, always!! — Realtor Judith Ann New
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
“Excellent title company and Cindy took really good care of us. Would recommend to anyone who needs a professional company for title work.” — Carl Marotzke
“The BESTEST! No other Title Closer is more experienced and knowledgeable as Crystal! ALWAYS happily available for answers on files! Gosh, too many positive superlatives necessary than this space can hold! Thank you Crystal, Cindy and Teresa for all your grrreat service!, always!!” — Realtor Judith Ann New
There are many issues that can impact your home or commercial property title, such as: tax liens, forged signatures in the chain of title, recording errors, title search errors and claims by missing heirs and/or an ex-spouse. Plain and simple, Title Insurance protects you from future loss if a covered claim against your property is made.
There are two types of title insurance:
There are many issues that can impact your home or commercial property title, such as: tax liens, forged signatures in the chain of title, recording errors, title search errors and claims by missing heirs and/or an ex-spouse.
Plain and simple, Title Insurance protects you from future loss if a covered claim against your property is made.
There are two types of title insurance:
AN OWNER’S POLICY protects you and provides assurance that your title company will stand behind you, if a covered title problem arises after you buy a home.
YOUR HOME IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE MATERIAL ASSET. IF THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF YOUR HOME ARISES FROM A COVERED TITLE PROBLEM, AN OWNER’S POLICY WILL PROTECT YOU.
AN OWNER’S POLICY protects you and provides assurance that your title company will stand behind you, if a covered title problem arises after you buy a home.
YOUR HOME IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE MATERIAL ASSET. IF THE POTENTIAL LOSS OF YOUR HOME ARISES FROM A COVERED TITLE PROBLEM, AN OWNER’S POLICY WILL PROTECT YOU.
A LOAN POLICY protects the lender for the amount of the loan. If you only have a Loan Policy, you are not protected if a problem materializes with your title.
Title insurance is about protection; protecting YOUR HOME, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOURSELF. IT IS ABOUT PREVENTING A MISHAP, or lessening the severity of its impact. Unlike most insurance policies, title insurance is a one-time-only fee. An Owner’s Policy will protect you as long as you and your heirs have an interest in the property
A LOAN POLICY protects the lender for the amount of the loan. If you only have a Loan Policy, you are not protected if a problem materializes with your title.
Title insurance is about protection; protecting YOUR HOME, YOUR FAMILY, AND YOURSELF. IT IS ABOUT PREVENTING A MISHAP, or lessening the severity of its impact. Unlike most insurance policies, title insurance is a one-time-only fee. An Owner’s Policy will protect you as long as you and your heirs have an interest in the property
Frequently Asked Questions for Buyers
What happens if there are unpaid HOA assessments at closing?
Unpaid regular assessments typically must be paid off (usually from seller proceeds) before or at closing to deliver clear title. Special assessments (like those often triggered by storm damage or structural repairs) need special attention, since Florida law determines whether the buyer or seller is responsible depending on when the assessment was levied.
How does Florida's homestead exemption affect a title transaction?
Homestead status affects both property tax proration at closing and, in some cases, a surviving spouse or heir’s rights to the property — which title examiners specifically check for during the search, since Florida’s homestead protections can restrict how a property may be transferred or encumbered.
What happens to title insurance if I add my spouse or a family member to the deed later?
Simply adding someone to the deed after closing typically is not covered by your existing owner’s title policy for that new party. In some cases a new deed transfer can also trigger new documentary stamp tax. It’s worth talking to us before making any post-closing changes to ownership.
Are there special title considerations for waterfront or canal-front Florida property?
Yes — waterfront property often involves additional review of submerged land rights, riparian rights, seawall easements, and flood zone designations, all of which can affect both the title examination and insurability.
Does flood zone designation affect title insurance?
Flood zone status doesn’t affect title insurance coverage itself, but it is relevant to closing overall, since lenders in Florida commonly require flood insurance as a condition of funding in designated flood zones — something we help track during the closing timeline.
What title issues come up with Florida properties bought through inheritance or probate?
Inherited property often requires confirming the estate was properly probated, all heirs are accounted for, and any estate debts or liens were resolved, before clear title can transfer to a new buyer.
I'm buying from an out-of-state or foreign seller — does that affect closing?
Yes, potentially. Sales involving foreign sellers may trigger FIRPTA (Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act) withholding requirements, which affects how funds are handled and disbursed at closing. We’ll flag this early if it applies to your transaction.
How do I choose a title company in Florida?
Look for a company with strong local knowledge of your specific county’s recording practices and customs, transparent fee disclosure, responsive communication, and a track record of on-time closings. Your real estate agent or lender may recommend one, but you have the right to choose your own title company under Florida law.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR SETTLEMENT
The search may have been long, but you’ve finally found the home of your dreams. You love its style, floor plan, and views. The neighborhood looks great. You’ve also done the hard work of reaching an understanding with the seller on price, signed a purchase agreement, and made an earnest money deposit. The home inspection went well, your loan has been approved, and your excitement builds as the big day of closing approaches. For most of us, the purchase of our home is the single biggest investment we ever make, which is why no one wants any last-minute problems to threaten the transaction. Please take a moment to review these points. They will help ensure a successful, trouble-free transaction.
Do I Need Owner’s Title Insurance?
Most definitely! Title insurance is a means of protecting yourself from actual financial loss in the event that problems develop regarding the ownership rights to your property. There may be hidden title defects that even the most careful title search will not reveal. In addition to protection from a covered financial loss, title insurance pays the cost of defending you against any covered claim.
Can My Title Company Handle The Settlement?
Yes, Realty Title Solutions acts as a central clearinghouse for the parties involved— collecting necessary documents and providing customary settlement services. We are fully prepared to work with you from the beginning of your transaction all the way through to conclusion. When you work with your friends at Realty Title Solutions, you can be confident that you are working with those knowledgeable in how to ensure a successful transaction.
But The Lender Already Requires Title Insurance. Won’t That Protect Me?
No. There are two types of title insurance. A Lender’s Policy only insures your lender that the mortgage it gave you is a valid lien on the property. Most lenders require this type of insurance and will typically require the borrower to pay for it. An Owner’s Policy, on the other hand, protects your ownership interests in the property. Title troubles from previous owners, such as improper estate proceedings or pending legal action, could put your equity at serious risk. If a valid claim is filed, in addition to covering any actual financial losses up to the face value of the policy, your title insurer has a duty to defend you against any covered claims.
Should I Shop Around For The Best Title Insurance Deal?
Absolutely. Some states closely regulate rates. Others permit open competition, which often results in significant differences in rates and services. Depending where you live, it pays to investigate your options carefully in order to obtain the most complete coverage and the best service. You also want to work with a title insurer that responds readily to your needs and performs its complex tasks with great accuracy. It is vital, too, that you choose a title insurance company with the financial strength and stability to meet its obligations, through good times and bad, over the long term.
At a minimum, you will want to have the following items complete or in hand when you come to the closing (please confirm with your settlement officer, as practices vary by state):
Buyer
- Cashier’s check(s) or certified check for amount due to settle.
- Proof of purchase of insurance for fire, casualty, etc.
- Invoices for any unpaid taxes, utilities or assessments
- Photo identification (passport, driver’s license, or state-issued identification card)
- Documentation required by the lender, even if already provided