Are You Able to Buy a Title Insurance Policy After Closing?

Purchasing lender's title insurance is generally a part of the home buying process. But what about the owner's title insurance? If you did not purchase an owner's title insurance policy during the home buying process, can you buy one after closing? The short answer to this question is "yes," but there are a few more details worth mentioning.

The Ideal Time to Buy Title Insurance

If you close on your home and then realize you want title insurance, a title service will typically allow you to buy a policy. However, buying title insurance after closing is not the best choice. You're far better off buying such a policy during the home buying process, when possible.

There are a number of issues that can be revealed with a home's title shortly after closing. You may discover that there was an error in public records, and someone else has a claim to the property. Or, you may discover that there is an outstanding lien on the property. If these issues are revealed in the first few weeks that you own the home and you don't have title insurance, you'll be held financially responsible. On the other hand, if you buy title insurance before closing, you'll be protected — whether an issue comes to light the day after the sale or 20 years down the road.

The Right Type of Title Insurance

Don't assume that the lender's title insurance that you're paying for will also cover you, as the owner of the home. That policy exists to protect the bank that holds your mortgage. Lender's title insurance is required when you buy with a mortgage, so it will automatically be included as a part of your home purchase. The buyer typically pays for the lender's title insurance as a part of their closing costs.

For your own protection, you need an owner's title insurance policy. Typically, you can purchase such a policy from the same title company that issues your lender's title insurance. Sometimes, you may be able to negotiate with the seller and arrange for them to pay for your title insurance policy. This can be seen as an act of good faith; it's a reassuring sign that, to the seller's knowledge, the home's title is clear and free from defects.

If you recently purchased a home and did not buy an owner's title insurance policy, then buying one now is better than having nothing. On the other hand, if you have not yet purchased a home, then you should aim to buy title insurance prior to closing.

Feel free to contact Heritage Land Transfer if you're looking for an escrow agency and title company Pennsylvania residents trust. We've been in the business for more than 30 years, and we take a personalized approach with every client. Our guaranteed lowest rates, efficient processes, and lightning-fast, convenient closings make us the favorite of buyers, sellers, realtors, and lenders alike!

This blog was originally posted on https://landtransfer.com/are-you-able-to-buy-a-title-insurance-policy-after-closing/

Lender’s Title Insurance Policies, Everything You Need to Know

When you purchase real estate with a mortgage, there are a number of fees you're required to pay. One of these fees will be for the lender's title insurance. It may sound strange, at first, for you to pay for insurance for your bank. However, once you know the basics about lender's title insurance, it becomes more clear why such a policy is needed. Here are the key facts that all potential home buyers should know about lenders' title insurance.

What Is It?

Title insurance exists to protect the policy holder from any defects in the title that are revealed after the sale of the home. For example, if a home is found to have a lien against it years after you purchase it, title insurance will come into play. It will also come into effect if someone else is found to have a claim to the property after the sale.

Why Does the Lender Need It?

It's important to point out that the lender's title insurance protects the lender — your mortgage holder — and not you, personally. If someone has a claim or lien against the home, this policy ensures they can not come after the bank for the money they claim to be owed. The insurance company will instead pay any necessary costs.

Do You Have to Buy It?

Yes. If you take out a mortgage to purchase a home, buying a lender's title insurance from a title service is required. You should be informed as to the cost of such a policy early on in the home buying process. It's generally wrapped into your closing costs.

How Much Coverage Does It Offer?

A lender's title insurance policy usually offers coverage equal to the loan amount. For example, if you take out a $200,000 mortgage, your lender will need a title insurance policy for $200,000. As you pay off your mortgage and the lender's interest in your property decreases, the title insurance coverage decreases, too.

Should You Have Title Insurance, Too?

If you also want personal protection from any liens or claims against your property's title, then you will need to purchase what's known as owner's title insurance. This is a separate title insurance policy from the one that protects your bank.

Owner's title insurance is not required by law, except under some very specific circumstances. However, holding such a policy is a good idea, especially if you have reason to believe there may be claims or liens against the home that weren't uncovered in the title search.

Purchasing a lender's title insurance is an important part of any real estate transaction that involves a mortgage. If you're looking for a title company Philadelphia residents rely on, consider Heritage Land Transfer. We're a full-service title company and escrow agency that offers a superior experience, thanks to our client-centered approach and decades in the industry.

This blog was originally posted on https://landtransfer.com/lenders-title-insurance-policies-everything-you-need-to-know/