Buying a new home is a significant investment, and it is only natural that you want to protect yourself from any future vulnerabilities. Title policies help you do just that. But how much is title insurance in Alabama going to cost you? Let’s find out!
What is Title Insurance?
A title policy safeguards the interests of both the homeowner and the lender in cases of issues associated with the house’s title, including:
- Liens or lawsuits
- Forgery
- Encroachment
- Undisclosed heirs
- Errors in deeds
What are the Title Insurance Costs in Alabama?
Title policies usually cost about 0.5% to 1.0% of the home’s purchase price and are included in the home’s closing costs. A typical title insurance policy quote in Alabama will include the following title fees:
Title Search Fee:
A title search helps verify that the seller is the legal owner of the property being sold. It also ensures that the house has a clean title, i.e., it has no outstanding secured debts, liens or lawsuits, undisclosed heirs, etc. This is essential to protect the new homeowner from future monetary or ownership disputes related to the title.
In Alabama, the buyer and seller split are both responsible for the title search, and it is usually done by a title company or an attorney. The cost of a title search in Alabama ranges from $150 to $300, depending on the type of property.
A title search is often mistaken for a home inspection. While the latter focuses on structural damages to a home, a title search is only concerned with the legal aspects of the property.
👉 Real Estate Home Inspection Alabama: Find out more about home inspections in Alabama here.
Title Settlement Fee:
A title settlement fee is paid to the title company that acts as the settlement agent at closing. It covers the administrative cost of closing and is separate from the net property value. This fee includes escrow fees, land survey fees, notary fees, deed preparation fees, etc. The title settlement fee in Alabama ranges from $350 to $500.
The buyer generally pays the title settlement fee in Alabama.
Lender’s Title Insurance:
A lender’s title insurance generally protects the mortgage lender financing your transaction from someone claiming a right to your house. It is issued for the loan amount given to the buyer, and as the debt reduces, so does the liability.
When purchasing a house using a mortgage or a loan, you will need a lender’s title policy in Alabama.
» Mortgage Lenders in Alabama: Check out all the top home mortgage lenders in Alabama.
Owner’s Title Insurance:
An owner’s title insurance policy secures the homebuyer’s transaction from real estate-related issues. Though purchasing a homeowner’s title policy isn’t compulsory, it is highly recommended to prevent any financial losses later on.
The seller usually pays for owner’s title insurance in Alabama, but it’s negotiable. You have to pay a one-time fee, and its coverage lasts for as long as you or your heirs own the property.
Attorney Fee:
In Alabama, the law requires an attorney to oversee the real estate transaction or the title insurance process. They review contracts and other paperwork, including the title. The attorney fee is their remuneration for their services and, in most cases, is paid for by the buyer. However, it can also be split between the two parties.
Attorneys usually charge between $75 and $100 per hour.
Abstract and Recording Fee:
The title abstract is a legal record of a property’s title history. It includes information about past title transfers, liens, and legal actions against the property. One of the key steps to buying a house in Alabama is obtaining the property’s abstract. It is a crucial document for buyers to ensure a clear title for the house they are about to purchase. It is issued by an abstraction.
The abstract fee can go up to $400.
Recording refers to the registration of the change in ownership of a house or the sale of a property in the public record. It also records mortgages and other liens against the home.
The county usually charges the recording fee. In Alabama, the seller has to pay $16 for the first page and $3 for every additional page.
Understanding the Types of Title Insurance Policies in Alabama
Title policies are of two types: owner’s title insurance and lender’s title insurance.
1. Owner’s Title Insurance
Homeowner’s title policy helps protect the buyer from future vulnerabilities that may befall them due to a defective title. It covers problems like:
- Third-party claims to the title
- Pre-policy fraud
- An unmarketable title
- Liens
- Building permit violations
- Post-policy forgery
If someone raises a claim to the property, the title insurer will bear the costs of legal representation. Further, they will reimburse the required amount up to the policy limit in case any damages are awarded in the lawsuit.
How Much is Owner’s Title Insurance in Alabama?
The premium for an owner’s title policy in Alabama is paid just once. However, certain factors determine its cost:
- Government regulations
- The title company
- The coverage chosen
While the government does not firmly lay down the title insurance rates in Alabama, they are about 0.34% of the house’s purchase price. Since you have the luxury of shopping around for a policy, you may find one that suits your needs without being heavy on your pocket. ALTA policies are the ones usually used to insure titles.
You may even be eligible for a discount if you purchase the owner’s and lender’s title policies from the same company. Moreover, you can get almost a 40% “re-issue rate” discount if you renew the owner’s title policy purchased by the seller. However, the seller must provide the policy document for this to be applicable.
You may even be eligible for a discount if you and the seller purchase the owner’s and lender’s title policies from the same company.
Owner’s title insurance offers two coverages, standard and enhanced. While the standard policy does provide sufficient security to the new homeowner, enhanced title insurance protects against any post-closing vulnerabilities. In Alabama, it typically costs 10% more than a standard owner’s title policy.
👉 Remember to check if your title company in Alabama offers an enhanced owner’s title policy.
Who Pays Owner’s Title Insurance in Alabama?
In Alabama, the seller usually pays for the homeowner’s title policy. However, this is open to negotiation.
2. Lender’s Title Insurance
A lender’s title insurance is taken on when you purchase a house either via a mortgage or a loan. Hence, it is also known as a loan policy. It protects the lender’s investment should an ownership dispute arise in the future.
A lender’s title policy is required in Alabama when purchasing a house using a mortgage.
How Much is Lender’s Title Insurance in Alabama?
The cost of a lender’s title policy in Alabama is usually equal to the amount the loan is issued for. So, as you pay off the loan, the accountability of the title insurer decreases.
Who Pays Lender’s Title Insurance in Alabama?
The buyer has to purchase the lender’s title policy in Alabama to protect the mortgage broker’s interests in the transaction.
Who Picks the Title Insurance Company in Alabama?
In Alabama, since the seller generally purchases the owner’s title policy, they decide which title company to opt for. However, if the buyer is purchasing the policy, then they would get to choose the title company for the transaction.
Sometimes, the lender or the real estate agent may also provide suggestions for title companies with which they may have tie-ups. They could be getting kickbacks in return for bringing them clients. Consequently, you could end up paying inflated title insurance rates, thereby extending the expenses and increasing your stress.
👉 Remember to thoroughly vet the title company or attorney you choose to save money and maintain peace of mind.
Lender’s Title Insurance vs. Owner’s Title Insurance
| Lender’s Title Insurance in Alabama | Owner’s Title Insurance in Alabama |
| Lender’s policy protects the lender’s interests in the real estate transaction. | Owner’s title insurance looks after the buyer and protects their investment from title defects. |
| The policy is equal to the loan issued. | The policy has a one-time fee paid at closing. There are two coverage options, standard and extended. |
| As the loan is paid back, the liability reduces. | The policy lasts for as long as the buyer or his heirs own the property. |
| Lender’s title insurance is mandatory. | Owner’s title insurance is optional but recommended. |
| Generally, the buyer pays for lender’s title insurance. | Generally, the seller pays for owner’s title insurance. |
Average Cost of Title Insurance in Alabama
The median price of a home in Alabama is $216,108. Suppose the downpayment for the home is 20% (it ranges from 3% to 20%), then the title insurance costs in Alabama will be as follows:
| Title Fees | Amount |
| Title Search and Lender’s Title Insurance | $130 |
| Postage/Courier | $71 |
| Attorney, Closing, and Settlement Fees | $232.32 |
| Recording Fees | $230 |
| Owner’s Title Insurance | $561.88 |
» Buyer Closing Cost Calculator Alabama: Find out how much you have to pay for title insurance in Alabama.
Is Alabama’s Title Insurance Cost Negotiable?
Since a title insurance quote in Alabama includes several fees, there is very little wiggle room for negotiation in its prices. Aspects like lawyers’ title fees, cost of title transfer, title search cost, etc., may change based on the process and individual being dealt with.
However, who pays for title insurance in Alabama is an area where you can negotiate. The seller pays for owner’s title insurance in most areas of Alabama, and the buyer pays for the lender’s policy. But you can discuss it with the seller and come to a different arrangement.
The real estate contract will state the party/parties responsible for paying the title insurance premium.
Alternative to Buying Title Insurance in Alabama: Warranty of Title
A warranty of title, also called an Alabama General Warranty Deed, is a legal document where the seller guarantees that they can transfer ownership of the property to the buyer. It also states that no one else has any claim to the house. Thus, it protects the buyer’s interests, allowing them to sue the seller should any dispute arise in the future.
A warranty of title doesn’t provide as much financial protection as a title policy in Alabama. But, if you are unable to buy a homeowner’s title policy at the time of closing, this document may protect you from threats like:
- Unresolved inheritance issues
- Boundary-line disputes or survey inconsistencies
- Undisclosed mortgages
- Outstanding property or federal income taxes
Are Title Costs in Alabama Worth It?
Yes! Title fees help ensure that all the processes for the title transfer are done accurately. In Alabama, title insurance is the largest cost you will have to bear among all the title fees.
The purpose of title insurance is to protect against future problems like disputes in ownership, any outstanding liens from the previous owner, encroachment, etc.
With an insured title, you won’t have to spend on legal fees or pay back taxes, saving you money in the long run. All for just a one-time fee! On the other hand, without a title policy, you risk losing your home to the complainant.
In Alabama, a lender’s policy is automatically included in the closing costs and is a non-negotiable purchase. But keep in mind that this policy only extends its coverage to the lender. You need a separate homeowner’s title policy to protect yourself from title defects.
👉 Closing Costs for Buying a House in Alabama: Here are some of the other costs you may have to pay in Alabama.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are title fees in Alabama?
Title fees are a part of closing costs. They include the charges for carrying out the title search of the property, attorney and notary services, settlement fees, etc. If you want to know how much you will need to pay as closing costs, use Houzeo's closing cost calculator.
2. How much does title insurance cost in Alabama?
When bought together, the lender's title and owner's title policies in Alabama usually cost about 0.5% to 1.0% of the home's purchase price. The premium rate is based on the location of the property and the mortgage amount.
3. How much is title insurance for land?
When buying a plot of land in Alabama, you should also acquire an owner's title policy to protect your investment. It is a one-time fee ranging from 0.5% to 1% of the purchase price.
Also Read
- Is It a Good Time to Buy House in Alabama: Want to buy a house in Alabama and wondering when you should take the plunge? Read this blog to understand the best time to check out the real estate market.
- Bad Credit Alabama: Got a low credit score but want to buy a house in Alabama? This blog will help you out with all the answers.
- How Much are Closing Costs for Seller in Alabama: What are the closing costs as a seller in Alabama? See what’s the real cost and how you can negotiate your closing costs as a seller.
- Who Pays Closing Costs on a House in Alabama: Closing costs vary according to the type of real estate deal. Read to know more.
- Alabama Home Seller Disclosure Requirements: Check out the seller disclosure requirements in Alabama.
- Alabama Real Estate Market: Venturing into real estate but not sure what to make of it? This blog will help you navigate Alabama’s real estate market.
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