Quick Answer
Garland property owners buying or selling real estate need title insurance to protect their ownership interest and a title company to handle closing. For buyers, an owner's title insurance policy protects against covered title defects that existed before the policy date. For sellers, the title search identifies and resolves any liens or encumbrances that must be cleared before transfer. The entire process from title order to policy issuance typically takes several weeks, depending on the property's history and complexity.
Whether you are buying your first home in Garland, selling a property you have owned for years, or investing in real estate in Dallas County, understanding title insurance and the closing process helps you navigate the transaction with confidence.
What Garland Buyers Should Know
When you buy a home or property in Garland, the title company researches the property's ownership history and public records to identify any issues that could affect your ownership. This process, called a title search, examines deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, tax records, probate records, and other documents that affect the property.
Based on the title search, the title company prepares a title commitment, which is the company's conditional promise to issue a title insurance policy once certain requirements are met. Learn how to understand your title commitment.
As a buyer, you have the right to review the title commitment and ask questions about any exceptions or requirements. Common issues in Garland transactions include unreleased mortgages, tax liens, homeowner association assessments, and easements.
What Garland Sellers Should Know
When you sell your Garland property, the title search may reveal issues that need to be resolved before the transaction can close. These often include old mortgages that were paid but never released from the record, judgment liens, or discrepancies in the chain of title. The seller typically bears the responsibility for clearing these issues, though the purchase contract determines who pays for title-related costs.
Sellers in Garland can obtain a free Property DNA Report to get an early look at property information before listing. This can help identify potential issues early, before a buyer's title search reveals them during contract.
The Garland Closing Process
1st Option Title's Garland office at 1795 Northwest Hwy handles closings for properties throughout Dallas County and the surrounding area. Our team manages the closing process from title order through recording and policy issuance. For Garland property owners, this means local expertise with direct access to Dallas County records.
Office Information
- Address: 1795 Northwest Hwy, Garland, TX 75041
- Phone: (972) 271-1700
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM CT
Property Research for Garland Residents
1st Option Title offers free Property DNA Reports for anyone researching Garland real estate. These reports compile publicly available property information including ownership history, tax records, and property characteristics. A Property DNA Report is not title insurance, a title commitment, a title search, or a legal ownership opinion.
Reports are typically provided within 1 hour during normal business hours, depending on the property and current workload. This turnaround time is not guaranteed, but our team works to deliver information quickly to support informed decision-making.
FAQs
Do Garland buyers need owner's title insurance?
Owner's title insurance is not required by law in Texas, but it is strongly recommended. Without it, you could be personally responsible for defending your ownership against covered title defects that arose before your purchase. Learn more about whether you need owner's title insurance.
How long does a Garland closing take from contract to recording?
A typical transaction takes 30 to 45 days from contract to closing, though timelines vary based on financing, title issues, and the specific terms of the contract.
Can I choose my own title company in Garland?
In many cases, yes, but the purchase contract may specify which party has the right to choose the title company. Check your contract and consult with your real estate agent or attorney.