A title is the recognition of property ownership. A title is less of an object, and more of a status or concept. The title to a property is the owner’s right to possess and use the property, as well as transfer legal ownership of the property. If you hold the title to a property, you are entitled to possess, use, or transfer it.

A clear title is a status of ownership without any kind of lien or levy from creditors or claims against the home by other parties. A clear title means that there is no question as to the legal ownership of the property or home. This is also known as a “clean title”, “just title”, “good title”, or a “free and clear title”.

Title insurance is offered by the title company’s underwriters and is required by most lenders. The underwriters will perform a diligent title search, and then offer an insurance policy for a one-time fee at closing. These policies protect lenders and buyers against future damages if defects are found in the title. These policies are meant to minimize risk and protect the individual ownership or claim to a property.

It is unfortunately not uncommon for a previous owner to have missed a few property tax payments or a contractor to file a suit claiming that they were never paid for work done on the property. Having a title insurance policy will protect against these damages, including legal costs and related fees, up to the face amount of the policy.

Title insurance also helps mitigate the risks of forged documents such as deeds, releases, or wills; undisclosed or missing heirs; mistakes in recorded legal documents; liens or unpaid estate, inheritance, income, or gift taxes; or fraud.

Florida’s title insurance premium is based on a promulgated rate calculation, which is determined by the state of Florida. Florida’s title insurance premium is also determined based on the purchase price as follows:

Purchase Prices up to $100,000: $5.75 per thousand.

Purchase Prices Over $100,000: $5.00 per thousand

This does not include other fees associated with a real estate closing such as doc stamps, closing or settlement fees, endorsement fees, title search fees, etc.

For a specific quote please feel free to reach out to us and a quote will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

Yes! Generally speaking, there is Lender’s Title Insurance policies, and Owner Title Insurance policies.

Most lenders require that a Lender’s Title Insurance policy be paid for by you, the borrower, which protects the lender from title defects up to the amount of the mortgage. The policy lasts until the mortgage is paid off. This policy, however, does not offer any protection for your personal equity in your home.

Owner’s Title Insurance policies, on the other hand, protect your, the owner’s, equity in the property up to the face amount of the policy for as long as you own your home. This insurance can be purchased with a one-time fee at closing. It is not uncommon, after negotiations, for the seller to pay the Owner’s Title Insurance policy fee.

In Florida, the seller customarily pays for title insurance in many counties, including Palm Beach, Hillsborough County, Osceola County, and Orange County. However, in some counties, including Collier County, Sarasota County, Broward County, and Miami-Dade County, the buyer typically pays

Most of the time, no – you’re not being charged more if the itemized amounts seem different. Depending on the state where you’re buying your home, the title insurance company may be required by law to display the itemized costs in a specific way, which may differ from the format of the same fees on the Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure. When reviewing the fees to make sure you’re not being charged more than you should be, it’s important to add up all the title-related costs you see in the title insurance paperwork and the Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure. When comparing costs for title insurance, make sure to compare the bottom-line total.

A deed is simply a legal document that grants the bearer a right or privilege, such as ownership. When you purchase your home, you’ll receive a deed which shows that the seller transferred their legal ownership, or “title”, of the home to you

A title search is a detailed examination of the historical and public records concerning a property to determine the status of a property’s legal ownership. During a title search, a title company or attorney will research the vested owner and search through deeds, mortgages, liens, levies, claims, other court records and judgements, property and name indexes, and property tax records.

The goal of a title search is to confirm that the vested owner has a clear and free title to the property (thereby having the right to sell or finance the property), so they can legally transfer that clear title to you. A title search may uncover defects in the title like liens, encumbrances, and other restrictions (e.g., unpaid taxes, easements, unsatisfied mortgages, judgements against the property owner, and restrictions of use or transfer). These defects need to be remedied before the closing takes place.

Essentially, this is the process of splitting the property taxes for a home between the buyer and seller for the year in which the closing takes place. It’s a fair way to handle not having to pay more taxes than you should when buying or selling property.

Real estate is much different than other types of personal property. Besides being one of the most meaningful investments a person can make in their lifetime, real estate is typically considered permanent and may have many owners over a few lifetimes. In order to transfer clear title to real property, it is first necessary to determine the rights and claims outstanding on the property.

Check out Home Closing 101 for a breakdown on the process for closing 

Closing can be done in person, mail away/mobile notary, hybrid, or remote digital. Learn more about the different options. 

Learn about what goes into your closing costs.

Buyers and agents both receive their respective USB keys

• Instead of a paper copy or CD, both the buyer and seller is provided with encrypted USB keys and business cards at closing.
• The buyer is provided with a platinum key and seller is provided with a gold key.
• Gain instant access to all of your closing files through any computer or laptop.

Your key to security

• Once provided with your key, it will be your gateway to all of your important files.
• Plug in the USB to any computer to access the secure and encrypted login. Enter your email and password to access your files.

Stay up-to-date with progress

• Get updates on all activities involving your closing.
• Notifications when new documents are added – or when documents are ready to use.
• Easy access to your lenders and agents throughout the closing process and beyond

Client Benefits

• Secured login access to all files provided by lenders.
• Easy instructional emails help you get the most out of your key.
• Automatic updates and notifications when a new file has been added or when documents are ready.
• Recurring updates after the closing to inform you of important changes in homestead valuations and mortgage rates.