FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Each of the following sections provides frequently asked questions on the title and escrow industry as well as related issues. If you have more specific questions which are not covered here, please feel free to contact us. Your question will be directed to a professional in the relevant field and answered as soon as possible.

Please note that the information contained herein is for general informational purposes only. If you are currently involved in a real estate transaction, please direct your questions to your real estate professional, title officer or closing officer.

What should I know about title insurance?

Most home sellers and buyers have been informed that obtaining title insurance will provide them necessary protection over possible title defects, but many remain uncertain why this is so. The more you know about title insurance, the more confident you'll be about coming to Realty Title for a policy. To learn more about title insurance, click here.

What is owner's title insurance?

Owner's title insurance provides you with protection against the loss of your home caused by someone in the future finding a problem with the title.

Why does the buyer need title insurance?

Even the best title search, performed by the most experienced and capable experts, cannot ensure that no title hazards exist. Some problems just aren't revealed in public records. Years ago, there may have been an honest mistake in determining the status of title. Or today, a previously unknown heir may come forward to claim ownership or a deceased relative's property. To help protect you in these events, Realty Title can issue you an owner's title policy. This will insure you against most of these unforeseen problems. We not only help to remove the flaws that show, we also insure against those that may not show.

What if I don't have owner's title insurance?

If a problem with your title occurs and you don't have owner's title insurance, you could lose everything you've invested in your home or face expensive legal costs.

What risks call for title insurance protection?

Real estate has such great value and is so basic a form of wealth that many special laws have been enacted for its protection. As a result, the owner of land has exceedingly strong rights and so do the family and heirs of the owner.

However, others may have "rights" in the property as well. There are mortgage and leaseholder rights; liens due to unpaid taxes; lien claims to those whom the owner owes money; mining, oil or air rights, and many others. Anyone who has such a claim is, in a limited way, a part owner. He or she cannot ordinarily be deprived of their interest except by having the claim settled or released. As a new owner, you may know nothing about these risks, but you are still vulnerable to such claims on your property. That's why you need an insurance policy from Realty Title

My lender has a mortgage title insurance policy on my property. Isn't that enough?

No, it is not enough. If there is a complete failure of title, you have no protection and could lose both your property and equity in the property.

A mortgage title insurance policy protects only the lender's interest in the property, not the current owner's. That is why Realty Title provides owners' title insurance policies, to protect the owner's interest in a piece of property should a claim arise. Purchasing an owner's title insurance policy at the same time that the lender orders the mortgage title insurance policy can result in a savings.

Is title insurance expensive?

The cost of title insurance on any piece of property is very small when compared with the benefit and security it gives. And, there are no annual payments to keep the policy in force. The original premium is your only cost as long as you or your heirs own the property.

How can there be a title defect if the title has been searched and a loan policy issued?

Title insurance is issued after a careful examination of copies of the public records. But even the most thorough search cannot absolutely assure that no title hazards are present, despite the knowledge and experience of professional title examiners. In addition to matters shown by public records, other title problems may exist that cannot be disclosed in a search.

Doesn't the seller's deed take care of giving me clear title?

Not at all. A "deed" is merely an instrument whereby a seller transfers his or her right of ownership, whatever it may be, to you. It is not proof that the person described as the seller is actually the owner. It does not do away with claims or rights others may have in the property. From the deed, you cannot determine for certain what rights, liens or claims may be outstanding against your title.

What is the closing disclosure and settlement statement?

The Settlement Statement is the document prepared by the title company at closing which shows where all of the money in the transaction is coming from and going to. It gives a 'financial picture' of the closing transaction. At closing, the title company is responsible for preparing the Settlement Statement in accordance with the contract, lender's instructions, market practice and state and federal laws. For additional information from ALTA on the Settlement Statement visit www.homeclosing101.org

How can I save money on my title insurance policy?

If you purchased or mortgaged your property recently, you may be able to save money on the purchase of your new title insurance policy by asking for a special 'refinance' or 'reissue rate'. Simply provide a copy of your prior title insurance policy to Realty Title prior to closing, or ask your local Realty Title Closing Agent for more information.

What is Predatory Lending, and how can I protect myself from loan fraud?

According to HUD, people across America lose their homes and their investments because of predatory lenders, appraisers, mortgage brokers and home improvement contractors who:

Sell properties for much more than they are worth using false appraisals.
Encourage borrowers to lie about their income, expenses, or cash available for down payments in order to get a loan.
Knowingly lend more money than a borrower can afford to repay.
Charge high interest rates to borrowers based on their race or national origin and not on their credit history.
Charge fees for unnecessary or nonexistent products and services.
Pressure borrowers to accept higher-risk loans such as balloon loans, interest only payments, and steep pre-payment penalties.
Target vulnerable borrowers to cash-out refinances offers when they know borrowers are in need of cash due to medical, unemployment or debt problems.
"Strip" a homeowner's equity from by convincing them to refinance again and again when there is no benefit to the borrower.
Use high pressure sales tactics to sell home improvements and then finance them at high interest rates.

Why are some of your emails encrypted?

One of the biggest security risks for consumers involves sending and receiving unsecured email communications. Cyber security experts equate sending an un-encrypted email message to sending a postcard -- it's readable by anyone along its path. Some say it's even less secure than sending a postcard, since an email message passes through a number of computer servers and network nodes along its path, all of which can be compromised by the owners of those points or nefarious hackers looking for valuable information.

To help protect our customers that rely on Realty Title and comply with the directives of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the American Land Title Association's (ALTA) recommended best practices, Realty Title now uses email encryption technology to help ensure that sensitive email messages and customer confidential, non-public information (NPI) -- whether in the body of the message or its attachments -- is transmitted in a form that is not easily hijacked, discernible or usable by unintended third parties.

NPI includes any information we hold in our systems and/or files that is non-public and confidential. In our industry, for example, that may include social security numbers, loan or credit card or personal tax ID numbers.

At Realty Title we are committed to protecting the personal information of our customers, along with the reputation of our lenders and real estate agents. As such, we have taken the lead among our competitors to ensure that confidential messages are sent through our Secure Email Portal.

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1985

In Business Since

Decades of experience in real estate closings

Testimonials

Dear Realty Title, I just wanted to let you know what exceptional service received each
and every time I have closed with Cheri Bayer at Realty Title. I just recently had a very difficult contract to close and Cheri helped me through it every step of the way. I will even go as
far to say that it may not have closed without all her hard work. She got my clients
to the table and made it as pleasant as possible. I will continue to use Realty Title
because of Cheri. She is just wonderful!

Julie,

Crye-Leike Mt. Juliet Agent

I have been using Realty Title for 17 years and I am never disappointed!! I know my clients will be taken care of and the job gets done on time!! It's nice to know there is a Title Company that goes above and beyond every time!! Keep up the good work!!

Sherry Hulen,

Crye-Leike

The customer service at Realty Title is AWESOME! They are all so kind, very knowledgeable and willing to help with anything! I thoroughly enjoy working with all of them at my closings! They make them smooth and enjoyable for all involved!

Stephanie Fowler,

Crye-Leike

Realty Title has always exceeded my expectation and ensured that the Closing Package was ready early along with the Wiring Instructions. It's great to always have laughs and smiles with happy clients closing on time - hassle free! Thank you!

Jason Bailey,

Mortgage Investors Group

My experience with Realty title was by far better than I could have imagined. The process was seamless and stress free. I want to bring special recognition to Deanna Wood, our closing agent. She was fabulous to work with, and got our closing scheduled 2 days after I was approved. Customer service like this shows shows the strength of the company, and ensures that I will do business with Realty title again. Thank you for the great experience!

Brittany Threet,

Zander Insurance Group

I don't know how I would have come out of [the closing process] sane without you.

Catherine R.,

Client

Your Realty Title Experience: Peeps always strive to perform regardless of the circumstances. They work hard!

Harold Whittaker,

Crye-Leike