Why Title Insurance?
Buying a new home is one of life's most gratifying experiences. As you approach the
big day of closing all the details can be a little overwhelming. You might easily
overlook the most important step in the entire process - the purchase of title
insurance on that wonderful new home of yours.
What is a Title?
A title is the evidence, of right, that a person has to the ownership and possession of
land. It is possible that someone other than the owner has a legal right to the
property. If that right can be established, this person can claim the property outright
or make demands on the owner as to it's use.
What Can Make a Title Defective?
Any number of problems that remain undisclosed after even the most meticulous
search of public records can make a title defective. These hidden "defects" are
dangerous indeed because you may not learn of them for many months or years. Yet
they could force you to spend substantial sums on a legal defense, and still result in
the loss of your property.
When you purchase a title insurance policy through U S Title & Escrow we provide
complete protection through our underwriters from these and a host of other hidden
defects:
Creditor claims
Deeds executed under false or expired powers of attorney
Mistaken interpretation of wills and trusts
Incorrect representation of marital status
Undisclosed heirs
Mistakes in recording legal documents
Incorrect legal descriptions
Forged deeds, releases etc.
Federal, state inheritance and gift tax liens
Errors in tax records
Federal condemnation without notice filing

Capacity of foreign fiduciaries
Duress in execution of documents
Want of jurisdiction over persons in judicial proceedings
Deeds from minors or non existent entities
Discovery of later will after probate of first will
Easements by prescription not discovered by a survey
Deeds delivered after death of grantor or grantee or without consent of grantor

Two Types of Title Insurance
Your Lender likely will require that you purchase a Lender's Policy. This policy only
insures that the financial institution has a valid, enforceable lien on the property. It
does not protect you.
An Owner's Policy on the other hand is designed to protect you from title defects that
existed prior to the issue date of your policy. It also covers the full cost of any legal
defense of your title.

How Much Does Title Insurance Cost?
The one time premium is directly related to the value of your home. Typically, it is
less expensive than your annual auto insurance. It is a one time only expense paid
when you purchase your home. Yet it continues to provide complete coverage for as
long as you or your heirs own the property.

What is a Re-issue Credit?
Re-issue credit is a discount offered to parties that can prove that a prior title
insurance policy existed on the real estate being insured. Because it was previously
insured there is less risk ti the insurance company and a lower rate applies. This
credit could save you a substantial amount on the cost of title insurance.

How Can I Get a Re-issue Credit?
In order to receive a re-issue credit for title insurance, a copy of the prior title policy
issued in the name of the seller, or borrower on a refinance transaction, must be
submitted and one of the following conditions must apply:
a) Policies on real property which is unimproved except for roads, bridges, drainage
facilities and utilities where the current owners title has been insured prior to the
application for a new policy, or
b) Policies issued with an effective date of less than three years after the effective
date of the policy insuring the seller or mortgagor in the current transaction, or
c) Loan policies issued on refinancing of property insured by an original owners
policy which insured the title of the current mortgagor.

When Should I Look Into It?

Call U S Title & Escrow as soon as you and the seller sign the earnest money
contract. With a brief summary of the details, our team of title experts will begin a
search of the public records and issue a title commitment. Because there are a
number of steps we must take to make certain that we know all we can about the
title, it is wise to get the ball rolling as soon as possible.

Why U S Title & Escrow?
Your title insurance policy provides both peace of mind and wonderful financial
protection. But that protection is only as strong as the issuing company itself. Our
underwriters Old Republic National Title Insurance Company and Chicage Title
Insurance Company have been insuring American homes for over a hundred years
and weathering every storm, providing complete protection through good times and
bad. In fact they both consistently earn the highest ratings in the title industry for
financial strength and prudent management.
At U S Title & Escrow we also know your neighborhood ... the same way we know
title insurance. Contact us today.