What is Escrow?
Escrow is a service which provides the buyer and seller with protection in the handling of funds and documents in the property transaction. Escrow enables the buyer and seller to transact business with each other through a neutral party. The “escrow holder” typically receives purchase funds from the buyer for deposit in an escrow account, prepares the deed or other documents, prorated taxes, interest, and insurance according to the escrow instructions, secures release of any contingencies imposed in the escrow, records deeds as instructed, requests issuance of the title insurance policy, prepares final accounting statements for the parties, disburses funds as authorized by the escrow instructions, and closes escrow when all of the escrow instructions of buyer and seller have been carried out.
How Much Title Insurance Do I Need?
The homebuyer should insure the full purchase price of the property; the lender only requires title insurance to cover the amount of your loan.
Who Should Purchase Title Insurance?
Lenders require title insurance as a condition for your loan.Two types of policies are available: an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy. A lender’s policy insures that the lender’s security interest in the property has priority over claims that others may have in your property. A lender’s policy does not protect you. Similarly, the prior owner’s policy does not protect you. If you want to protect yourself from claims by others against your new home, you will need an owner’s policy. An owner’s policy insures the buyer for as long as he or she owns the property. This protection is limited to the value of the property. It is usually less expensive to purchase a lender’s policy and owner’s policy at the same time from the same title insurer. Contact your title insurer for additional information.
What Does Title Insurance Cover?
The title insurance policy available to owners of real property in Florida is an American Land Title association ( ALTA ) policy. Since title insurance is required by your lender, the lender will specify the type of policy required.
What Does Title Insurance Protect?
Title insurance protects you and your lender if someone challenges the title to your property. This may be in the form of an alleged title defect, which was unknown to you at the time you purchased the property, but came to light at some future date during your ownership of the property. A title insurance policy contains provisions for the payment of losses which result from a covered claim. The title insurance policy also covers legal fees in defense of a claim against your property. Coverage can benefit the homeowner or the bank or mortgage company (lender).