Lauren Spanier

While the function of most other forms of insurance is risk assumption through the pooling of risks or losses arising out of unforeseen future events (such as sickness or accidents), the primary purpose of title insurance is to eliminate risks and prevent losses caused by defects in title arising out of events that have happened in the past. To achieve this goal, title insurers perform an extensive search and examination of the public records to determine whether there are any adverse claims (title defects) attached to the subject property. Said defects/claims are either eliminated prior to the issuance of a title policy or their existence is excepted from coverage. Your policy is issued after the closing of your new home, for a one-time nominal fee, and is good for as long as you own the property.

Immediately contact your escrow officer and notify them if someone is unable to attend or sign the closing documents for any reason.

An escrow is an arrangement in which a neutral third party (the escrow agent) assembles and processes many of the components of a real estate transaction, records the transaction, and ultimately, disburses and distributes funds according to the buyers’, sellers’ and lenders’ instructions. Your transaction is typically closed by an Escrow Officer. People buying and selling real estate usually open an escrow for their protection and convenience. Both the buyer and seller rely on the escrow agent to carry out their written instructions relating to the transaction and to advise them if any of their instructions are not mutually consistent or cannot be carried out. If the instructions from all parties to an escrow party are clearly drafted, the escrow officer can proceed on behalf of the buyer and seller without further consultation. This saves much time and facilitates the closing of the transaction.

Bring government issued identification card like a driver’s license or passport. Identification, must include a picture and signature for notary purposes. In the event that you are a borrower some lenders require two forms of identification so it is always best to have two forms of identification with you.