| Q) What is Title Insurance?
A) Title insurance insures your rights and title
to the property you are purchasing. It ensures that you have 'marketable'
title. A title insurance commitment and subsequently, a policy is
issued to the 'insured'.
Q) Why do I need it?
A) Generally, you need title insurance to guarantee
to you that there are no liens or encumbrances on the property you
are purchasing. It insures you against loss or damage from defects
of title to the property or loss of the property due to existing
liens at the time of insuring.
Q) How much does it cost?
A) New Way Title Corp. will charge the least amount
allowable by the State of Florida for title insurance premiums.
On a typical $125,000.transaction, the title charges would be:
Title Insurance Premium...$700.00
Closing/Settlement Fee...$150.00 - $250.00
Search Fee (est.)...$200.00
Title Exam Fee...$150.00
If you are obtaining a mortgage, your lender will have specific
title insurance requirements.
Q) Who pays for it?
A) Your contract dictates who will pay for the title
insurance and other related fees.
Q) Is it a one-time charge?
A) Yes, it is a one-time charge. The insurance is
good for as long as you own the property. If you choose to re-finance
your property, your new lender will require that a new title insurance
policy be issued to insure them. (Many times this can be done with
're-issue rates', a substantial savings.)
Q) Who does the closing?
A) Usually the title company holds the closing in
its office and it is handled by a 'closing agent'. Many closings
are also conducted as 'mail-aways', and are handled via overnight
courier.
Q) How do I find out how much my check needs
to be for the closing/settlement? To whom is it payable?
A) The title company coordinates the sales contract
and the lenders information and tries to have 'bottom line' figures
for you five days in advance of your closing. Keep in mind, the
Title Company can not total all figures until the lender supplies
their charges. Your cashier's check should be payable to the title
insurance agent.
Q) Do I need an attorney to represent me? Is it
required?
A) It is always a good idea to have an attorney
represent your interest. No, it is not required, but a title insurance
representative cannot give legal advice. A real estate attorney
is on staff to assist in resolving legal issues.
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