By Lisa Glauber Shippel, Esq.
Why Title Insurance Matters at Closing
When you’re buying property, you probably expect a stack of paperwork. One of the most important documents is title insurance. It is one of the most valuable protections you’ll ever have for your property.
What Is Title Insurance?
Simply put, title insurance protects you against hidden issues with the ownership of your property. Even after a thorough title search, there can be problems that don’t show up until later.
Common examples include:
- Undiscovered liens or unpaid debts tied to the property
- Errors in public records (like a misspelled name or a missing legal description)
- Unknown heirs or ownership claims
- Fraud or forgery in past deeds
Without title insurance, those problems become your problems and potentially very expensive ones.
Why Lenders Require It
If you’re taking out a mortgage, your lender will almost always require lender’s title insurance. This protects their financial interest in your property. But here’s the key: lender’s insurance doesn’t protect you.
That’s why it’s smart to purchase an owner’s title insurance policy, which protects your rights as the new property owner.
Here’s a Real-Life Example:
Imagine you buy a home, close on time, and move in. A year later, someone shows up claiming they inherited part of the property through a long-lost Will. Without title insurance, you could face court battles and costs. With it, you’re protected.
At Lisa Shippel Law, we don’t just handle the paperwork; we help you understand why each step matters.
- Explain your title search results
- Answer questions about your lender’s requirements
- Review and issue your owner’s title policy
- Make sure your closing is protected, compliant, and stress-free
Closing on a Property in Georgia?
Lisa Shippel Law helps buyers, sellers, and investors close with confidence and with the right title protection in place.