A complete guide to title insurance. Whether you are buying your first home, investing in real estate, or simply want to understand the title process, this resource covers everything you need to know.
General Educational Information
The articles in this guide provide general educational information about title insurance and real estate matters. Laws, regulations, and title practices vary by jurisdiction. This content does not constitute legal advice, a title opinion, or a commitment to insure. Consult qualified professionals for advice specific to your transaction.
Title insurance is one of the most important parts of any real estate transaction, yet it is also one of the least understood. This guide breaks down everything you need to know into four sections, from the fundamentals of title insurance through the title process, property title concepts, and how to choose the right title company.
Each article is written to be read on its own, so you can start wherever you need. For the best experience, we recommend starting with What Is Title Insurance and Why Does It Matter? and going from there.
A deep dive into the title commitment: Schedule A, Schedule B, requirements, exceptions, checklists for agents and investors, common questions, and the path to policy issuance.
A complete series covering every aspect of the title commitment, from Schedule A through final policy issuance. Includes practical checklists for agents, investors, and buyers.
A 25-article deep dive into property liens, judgment liens, mechanic's and tax liens, HOA and family-related liens, lien priority, releases, and how title searches protect buyers.
A complete series covering liens from basics through complex priority questions, releases, and hidden liens. Essential reading for understanding what appears on Schedule B of your title commitment.
The fundamentals of title insurance, coverage, and why it matters.
Title insurance protects against covered problems involving ownership of real estate that existed before the policy was issued. Here is what it covers and why it matters.
Read ArticleA title company researches property ownership and public records, examines title, identifies liens and other matters, and facilitates title insurance issuance.
Read ArticleAn owner's title insurance policy protects the insured owner's interest against certain covered title defects that generally originate before the policy date.
Read ArticleA lender's title insurance policy protects the insured mortgage lender's security interest against certain covered title defects, up to the applicable policy amount.
Read ArticleOwner's title insurance protects the buyer's interest, lender's protects the mortgage lender's security interest. Here is how they compare.
Read ArticleOwner's title insurance is optional but strongly recommended. It protects your ownership interest and equity, not just the lender's loan.
Read ArticleLender's title insurance is commonly required with financing, while owner's title insurance is often optional. Cash buyers have no lender requirement but may still buy owner's coverage.
Read ArticleTitle insurance is a one-time premium because it focuses on pre-policy risk rather than ongoing risk. You pay once at closing for coverage that lasts as long as you own the property.
Read ArticleAn owner's title insurance policy continues while the insured retains a covered interest in the property. A lender's policy lasts until the insured loan is paid off.
Read ArticleHow title searches, commitments, examinations, and closings work.
A title commitment is a title insurer's promise to issue a specified title insurance policy after stated requirements are satisfied and subject to listed exceptions, terms, and conditions.
Read ArticleLearn how to read a title commitment step by step, from verifying basic transaction info through understanding requirements and exceptions.
Read ArticleA title search is an examination of applicable public records to identify ownership and matters affecting real estate. It is a critical step before any real estate closing.
Read ArticleA title search examines ownership, deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, restrictions, and many other recorded matters that could affect a property.
Read ArticleThere is no single number of years for a title search. How far back it goes depends on state law, title standards, chain of title, transaction type, and underwriting requirements.
Read ArticleFrom opening title to policy issuance, the title process involves order intake, searching, examination, commitment, issue resolution, closing, recording, and policy issuance.
Read ArticleClear title, marketable title, clouds on title, and what can go wrong.
Clear title means ownership is sufficiently free from unresolved claims, liens, or defects that would prevent transfer or create unacceptable uncertainty about ownership.
Read ArticleMarketable title is title sufficiently free from substantial defects or reasonable doubt that a reasonable purchaser can accept it. The legal standard varies by jurisdiction.
Read ArticleA cloud on title is a claim, lien, document, discrepancy, or issue that creates uncertainty about property ownership or transferability. Clouds can often be removed.
Read ArticleUnresolved mortgages, tax liens, judgments, mechanic's liens, probate issues, ownership disputes, and recording errors can all prevent a property from having clear title.
Read ArticleWhen a title search finds a problem, the title team investigates, determines what is required to resolve it, gathers evidence, works with underwriting, and clears it before closing.
Read ArticleHow to select a title company and what to expect from the relationship.
Who chooses the title company depends on the purchase contract, state law, local custom, who pays, and lender requirements. The choice can often be negotiated.
Read ArticleA buyer may be able to choose the title company, depending on state law, the purchase contract, who pays, and lender requirements.
Read ArticleA seller may be able to choose the title company depending on local custom, the purchase contract, and applicable law.
Read ArticleChanging title companies after opening escrow is possible in some cases, depending on the contract, consent of the parties, and lender requirements.
Read ArticleExperience matters when choosing a title company because every property has a unique history, and complex title work requires knowledge, relationships, and problem-solving ability.
Read ArticleEach article in the Title Insurance 101 series is designed to be read independently. Start wherever you need, or go through the series in order from beginning to end. Articles are linked to related content throughout the series, so you can easily navigate between topics.
If you are new to title insurance, we recommend starting at the beginning with Blog 1 and progressing through the entire series. If you have a specific question, use the section headings above to find the relevant topic.
These related topics provide additional context for your real estate transaction.
Specialized title and escrow services for real estate investors, including double closings, creative finance, and more.
A complete series on the escrow and closing process, from opening escrow through recording.
Commercial title insurance, escrow, and due diligence for all property types.
Closing cost estimators, mortgage calculators, and investor financial tools.
1st Option Title handles transactions of all types, from simple residential purchases to complex investor and commercial deals.