Owner’s title insurance costs range from 0.5% to 1% of your home sale price. While it may seem huge, it’s a small price to pay. In 2023, buyers lost an average of $106,000 due to title fraud.
However, Y-O-Y, there’s been a 20% drop in fraud, as many home buyers are opting for title insurance. Your new home is a major financial investment; protect it with this policy to ensure you don’t lose thousands of dollars.
What Is Owner’s Title Insurance?
Owner’s title insurance shields you from hidden property title issues. This one-time premium is paid at closing when purchasing the property. It protects your ownership rights by covering legal fees and settlements.
In the USA, a title search verifies the seller’s right to sell a house during the purchase. Despite problems can still arise later.
- Liens
- Encroachments
- Incorrectly filed deeds
Types of Owner’s Title Insurance Policies
There are two policy options available: standard and enhanced.
- Standard Policy: This policy 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 perks include protection from unrecorded liens (estate tax liens), building permit violations, post-policy forgery, etc.
What Is the Cost of an Owner’s Title Insurance?
Title policies usually cost about 0.5% to 1.0% of the home’s sale price and are included in the closing costs. However, it’s important to note that this insurance is not mandatory.
In fact, the cost varies depending on your state of residence. Despite this, it is highly recommended to secure your property.
What Protections Does Owner’s Title Insurance Offer?
The policy generally protects you from the following issues:
- Title Defects: Shields you against undisclosed heirs, forged documents, errors in public records, or undisclosed liens.
- Ownership Claims: Protection against someone else claiming ownership of your property.
- Invalid Titles: This insurance protects you from problems with the property title like unpaid liens, missing wills, etc. That means you’ll have clear ownership and avoid any hassles.
- Legal Fees and Defense Costs: This insurance also covers legal fees. If someone challenges your ownership, it’ll help you fight for your property rights.
Owner’s vs. Lender’s Title Insurance
| Owner’s Title Insurance | Lender’s Title Insurance |
|---|---|
| The policy intends to protect the buyers. | This policy protects the lenders. |
| It is not mandatory. | It is mandatory for the purchase of a property via a mortgage loan. |
| The coverage may differ based on its different types and packages. | The lender’s title insurance policy’s coverage decreases as the loan is paid back. |
| It remains functional for the owner as well as his heirs. | The loan term ends when the repayment is complete. |
Who Bears the Owner’s Title Insurance Costs?
The buyer pays the owner’s title insurance costs as part of closing costs. This protects their investment and ownership rights. Sometimes sellers may offer to pay for it as an incentive to attract buyers.
However, it varies by the state you live in and negotiation. Regardless of who pays initially, getting quotes from different title companies ensures you get the best price and coverage.
Is Owner’s Title Insurance a Rip-off?
It may or may not be a rip-off depending on your situation. It adds to closing costs and protects you from problems like liens, ownership claims, encroachments, etc.
However, in low-risk situations with a clear property history, you might find it not worth the cost. Consider potential issues and expenses, and consult experts before deciding on this insurance.
Is Owner’s Title Insurance Required?
No, owner’s title insurance isn’t typically, but highly recommended for financial security. In contrast, a lender’s title insurance is typically required when using a mortgage.
Pros and Cons of Owner’s Title Insurance
Here are the pros and cons of this title insurance:
✅Pros
- Protects Your Investment: Shields you from unexpected title issues like hidden liens, ownership claims, or errors in public records. It prevents you from potential financial loss.
- One-Time Fee: Unlike some insurances, it’s a single cost that lasts as long as you own the property.
- Covers Legal Defense: Ensures you have the financial backing to fight potential legal challenges to your ownership.
❌Cons
- Additional Cost: It can range from 0.5% to 1% of your home’s purchase price, which can be a significant upfront expense.
- Limited Use for Short-Term Ownership: If you plan to flip the property or only stay there for a short time, title insurance might not be as important.
The Bottom Line
Owner’s title insurance is a valuable investment to protect your new home. Furthermore, you can save your money by paying 0.5% to 1% of your home sale price as title policy fees.
For instance, if the median home price is $404,100, the owner’s title policy would cost you around $2,020.
If you are looking for title companies, Houzeo can help you. Our platform can help you simplify the search and book an appointment with the best title company nearby.
» 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
How often is owner's title insurance used?
Owner's title insurance is a one-time expense paid at closing. It provides ongoing protection for your property ownership rights.
Should I get owner's title insurance?
Owner's title insurance is optional, but recommended. It's a one-time cost that protects you from surprise ownership claims and legal fees if issues arise later.
Why does seller pay for owner's title insurance?
In some real estate transactions, the seller pays for the owner's title insurance policy as part of closing costs. This is done to reassure the buyer that the property's title is clear and to facilitate the sale. However, practices can vary based on local customs and negotiations.
Do I need owner's title insurance for new construction?
Yes, owner's title insurance is still important for new construction properties. Despite being newly built, there can still be title issues such as contractor liens, errors in public records, or unresolved legal claims.
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