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 California 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 California?
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 California 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 California, the seller is responsible for the title search, and it is usually done by a title company or an attorney. The cost of a title search in California ranges from $100 to $250, 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 California: Find out more about home inspections in California 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 California generally ranges from $600 to $750.
The buyer generally pays the title settlement fee in California. However, this isn’t a hard and fast rule and can be discussed by both parties.
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 California.
» Mortgage Lenders in California: Check out all the top home mortgage lenders in California.
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 California. They 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 California, the law doesn’t require an attorney to oversee the real estate transaction or the title insurance process. However, having an attorney provides both parties with a safety net. They review contracts and other paperwork, including the title. The attorney fee is their remuneration for their services and, in most cases, is split between the seller and the buyer.
Real estate attorneys generally charge an hourly fee of $390.
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 California 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 $350.
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 California, it costs approximately $25 for the first page and $3 for each of the subsequent pages.
Understanding the Types of Title Insurance Policies in California
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. They will also 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 California?
The CLTA (California Land Title Association) policy insures the property owner and is paid just once. However, certain factors determine its cost:
- Government regulations
- The title company
- The coverage chosen
The title insurance rates in California are set by the state government. So, irrespective of the company you opt for, the title policy prices will remain the same.
Generally, title insurers charge:
| Home Purchase Price | Title Policy Premium (per $1000) |
| Under $10,000,000 | $0.75 |
| $10,000,000 – $20,000,000 | $0.65 |
| $20,000,000 – $50,000,000 | $0.60 |
| Above $50,000,000 | $0.55 |
You may be eligible for a discount if you 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. It typically costs 20% more than a standard owner’s title policy.
Who Pays Owner’s Title Insurance in California?
When selling their house in California, the seller usually pays for the homeowner’s title policy to make the deal more attractive. In Southern California, the fee for the CLTA policy is customarily paid by the seller, while in Northern California, the buyer usually pays this fee.
This, however, 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.
Lender’s title insurance is provided by ALTA (American Land Title Association), which is an extended coverage policy that insures the lender against possible unrecorded risks excluded in the CLTA policy. In California, it is mandatory while buying a property via mortgage loans.
How Much is Lender’s Title Insurance in California?
The cost of a lender’s title policy in California is usually equal to the amount the loan is issued for. So, the accountability of the title insurer decreases as the loan is paid off.
Who Pays Lender’s Title Insurance in California?
The buyer has to purchase the lender’s title policy in California to protect the mortgage broker’s interests in the transaction.
Who Picks the Title Insurance Company in California?
In California, the party that purchases the title policies decides which title company to opt for. However, there are certain exceptions. In some counties of southern California, the seller chooses the title insurance company and pays for the policies. Whilst applying for a refinance, you or the lender are at liberty to choose the title company.
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.
In California, title insurance can also be provided by attorneys. So, if you want to avoid going through a title company, an attorney can serve your purpose while also giving you legal representation.
👉 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 California | Owner’s Title Insurance in California |
| 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 California
The median price of a home in California is $765,495. Suppose the downpayment for the home is 20% (it ranges from 3% to 20%), then the title insurance costs in California will be as follows:
| Title Fees | Amount |
| Title Search and Lender’s Title Insurance* | $902.1 |
| Postage/Courier | $100 |
| Attorney, Closing, and Settlement Fees | $1,070.29 |
| Recording Fees | $230 |
| Owner’s Title Insurance | $1,749.16 |
» Buyer Closing Cost Calculator California: Find out how much you have to pay for title insurance in California.
Title Insurance Costs Across California
Is California’s Title Insurance Cost Negotiable?
Since a title insurance quote 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.
Further, since the government regulates California’s title insurance premiums, the prices are restricted. You will pay the same amount regardless of the company you choose.
Who pays for title insurance is an area where there is scope for negotiation. The seller pays for owner’s title insurance in most areas of California. However, in the counties where the buyer has to pay for the policy, they 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 California: Warranty of Title
A warranty of title, also called a California 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 California. 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 California Worth It?
Yes! Title fees help ensure that all the processes for the title transfer are done accurately. 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 California, 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 California: Here are some of the other costs you may have to pay in California.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are title fees in California?
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 in California, use Houzeo's closing cost calculator.
2. How much does title insurance cost in California?
When bought together, the lender's title and owner's title policies usually cost about 0.5% to 1.0% of the home's purchase price in California. The premium rate is based on the location of the property and the mortgage amount.
3. How much is title insurance for land in California?
When buying a plot of land in California, 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 a House in California: Want to buy a house in California 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 California: Got a low credit score but want to buy a house in California? This blog will help you out with all the answers.
- How Much are Closing Costs for Seller in California: What are the closing costs as a seller in California? 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 California: Closing costs vary according to the type of real estate deal. Read to know more.
- California Home Seller Disclosure Requirements: Check out the seller disclosure requirements in California.
- California Real Estate Market: Venturing into real estate but not sure what to make of it? This blog will help you navigate California’s real estate market.
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