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5 min read Feb 16, 2024

How Much Is Title Insurance Going to Cost You in Missouri in 2024?

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Reviewed By

Amol Malekar

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Reviewer
Reviewed By

Amol Malekar

Reviewer, Houzeo
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Amol Malekar is a professional content writer. He specializes in simplifying intricate real estate topics, making them understandable for a target audience.

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Title insurance costs in Missouri range from 0.5% to 1% of your home sale price. While it may seem huge, it’s a small price to pay compared to the $106,000 that buyers lost on average in title fraud in 2023.

However, Y-O-Y, there’s been a 20% drop in fraud, as many home buyers are opting for title insurance. Your new home in the Show-Me State is a major financial investment; protect it with a title insurance policy to ensure you don’t lose thousands of dollars.

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What Is Title Insurance in Real Estate?

Title insurance is a policy that protects the interests of both the buyer and the mortgage lender from issues related to a defective property title. Some of these issue include:

  • Property border disputes
  • Encroachments
  • Easements
  • Forged documents
  • Third-party claims
  • Errors in recorded documents
  • Incorrect property deed

Title Insurance Cost in Missouri

Title policies in Missouri usually cost about 0.5% to 1.0% of the home’s sale price same as title insurance costs in the USA. It is usually included in the closing costs. You will either get a cumulative quote or an itemized breakdown of the policy.

It is not mandatory to have owner’s title insurance, but it is highly recommended to secure your property.

Housing PriceTitle Insurance Cost (Per thousand)
Up to $100,000 of liability written$4.60
From $100,000 to $1 million$3.90
Over $1 million to and up to $5 million$3.25
Over $5 million and up to $10 million$2.25
Over $10 million$1.65
*The estimates are based on the average price of multiple title companies.

Title Insurance Cover in Missouri

A typical policy quote in Missouri will include the following title fees:

CoverageMeaningFees
Title SearchConfirms details about the property’s legal ownership.$100 to $250
Title SettlementHelps in the transfer of ownership from the seller to the buyer.$500 to $800
Deed PreparationHelps draft deeds and legal documents for the transaction. $250 to $350
Land SurveyDetermines the land boundaries and draws legal property lines. $200 to $800
Real Estate AttorneysHelps with legal documentation and advises on real estate transactions.$100 to $700 per hour
EscrowA neutral third party that holds and disburses all funds and documents in a deal.$500 to $800

Types of Title Insurance Policies and Costs in Missouri

There are two types: the owner’s title policy and the lender’s title policy.

1. Owner’s Title Insurance Policy

In Missouri, this policy is usually available in 2 forms: standard and enhanced.

  • Standard Policy: This policy generally protects the new owner from third-party claims like encroachments, undisclosed heirs, liens, etc.
  • Enhanced Policy: This policy includes all the standard coverages and certain additional perks. These are protection from unrecorded liens (estate tax liens), building permit violations, post-policy forgery, etc.

If the median home price is $241,400, the owner’s title policy would cost you around $1,577 in Missouri. It’s a one-time fee, and the coverage lasts as long as you or your heirs own the property.

» Want To Know the Best Time To Buy a House in Missouri: Here’s a step-by-step guide.

2. Lender’s Title Insurance Policy

It protects the mortgage lender’s investment from any property-related issues like undisclosed heirs, forgery, and liens.

The policy cost depends on the loan issued. The average mortgage in Missouri is $346,762, for which the lender’s policy is $2,132. In addition, the accountability of the title insurer decreases as the loan is paid off.

A lender’s title insurance policy is mandatory, and its period is equal to the loan term. In the Show-Me State, it is common for buyers to handle the overall costs. However, sometimes, sellers might agree to cover a few of these expenses.

How to Save on Title Insurance Costs in Missouri

Most of the companies in Missouri have similar premiums, but there are some ways to save on costs:

  • Bundle Plan: You can buy the owner and lender policies from the same company and avail of a discount.
  • Shop Around: You can look for other companies if the premiums are unregulated in the Show-Me State. Go through all the company reviews and compare quotes to finalize one.
  • Negotiate Closing Costs: If the seller is motivated to sell the property, they may agree to cover the costs for the title insurance within the closing costs.

Other Alternatives

While title insurance is the most beneficial option for your new home in Missouri, here are some of the alternatives you can consider:

  1. Attorney Opinion Letters (AOLs): These letters are personalized and provided by attorneys as an alternative to title insurance. AOLs may cost you a lower upfront fee; however, they can introduce more risk to lenders and consumers.
  2. Closing Platforms: Such platforms eliminate the need for traditional title insurance as they potentially reduce costs.

Bottom Line

Title insurance is a necessary investment to protect your new home. Homeowners have lost almost $100k in fraud. You can save your money by paying 0.5% to 1% of your home sale price as title policy fees.

If you are looking for title companies in Missouri, Houzeo can help you. On our platform, you can easily find one and book an appointment with the best title company nearby.

Find Title Companies Now

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Find Title Companies Now

text View 0 Homes For Sale in Missouri

text1st item

text2nd item

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Find Title Companies Now

View 5+ Settlement Agents in Missouri

Find Title Companies Now

View 0 Homes For Sale in Missouri

Where do you want to live?

» Need More Clarity? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are title fees?

Title fees are a part of closing costs that include title searches, attorney and notary services, settlement fees, etc.

How much does title insurance cost in Missouri?

The title insurance will cost around 0.5% to 1.0% of the home's purchase price in Missouri.

How much is owner's title insurance in Missouri?

Title insurance rates in Missouri typically start at $4.60 per thousand for the first $100,000 of the property value.

Who pays the title insurance cost in Missouri?

In Missouri, sellers usually pay for title insurance, but this can change depending on the county.

How Much is Title Insurance Missouri

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