You’ve signed a purchase agreement and you’re scheduled for closing on the home of your dreams. Who wants to think about something as obscure as title insurance? Actually, you’d be foolish not to.

The title is the document that verifies your legal right to your new home. To make sure there are no past errors or legal entanglements that might affect your ownership rights, all properties are subjected to a title search before closing. Sometimes, however, a title problem will unexpectedly surface days or years later. If a problem does occur, you’ll be glad to have the protection of title insurance. There are two kinds of title insurance: one that protects the lender (required) and one that protects you (optional). Don’t underestimate the importance of this coverage.

• optional for buyer to purchase
• costs up to 1% of the price of the property
• protects you, the buyer, against title defects, easements, judgments and liens
• covers you and your heirs forever - even after you sell the property