Question 1

If I have Title Insurance, do I also need legal advice?"

Accepted Answer

We Encourage you to seek legal advice.  The Title Insurance policy does not take the place of legal counsel. In every real estate transaction there are many matters not covered by your policy. The coverage of the policy itself, and the specific exclusions therefrom, your rights and obligations as a seller or purchaser, the tax consequences of your transaction — we recommend that these and many other issues should all be fully discussed and explained by a qualified attorney.

Question 2

What does a title company do?

Accepted Answer

A title company such as Reputation First Title Agency works with you through the entire process of buying or refinancing a property. Title companies… 
 
- Provide a thorough title search to make sure that the title is clear.
- Prepare and organize all documents and paperwork for the closing. 
- Manage the escrow account.
- Facilitate the closing. 
- Record all signed documents after the closing. 
 
And that is just a broad overview!

Question 3

What is Title Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Title Insurance is the modern method of real estate title protection. A policy of title insurance protects the insured against a partial or total loss arising out of defects, liens and encumbrances in the title to real estate.

Question 4

Is a title company really necessary?

Accepted Answer

You are not legally required to hire a title agency when purchasing or refinancing real estate. However, working with one can bring many benefits. For instance, they offer title insurance. And that alone can mean the difference between being protected - or not - should a title defect appear down the road.

Question 5

Why do I need Title Insurance?

Accepted Answer

Under our American system, any interest in land must be recorded in the public records if the holder of that interest wants to be protected. Once it has been so recorded, all subsequent parties are presumed to know of its existence, since it is on the public record for all to see.
 
Therefore, the public records must be thoroughly searched in order to determine the ownership of any piece of land at any given time, and in order to know whether there are any mortgages, liens or other encumbrances outstanding against it.
 
Out of the millions of documents on record, it is imperative that a prospective buyer or lender find all those which affect the title to his/her particular parcel. Obviously, this is a job for experts who specialize in this field. Their carefully prepared, meticulously maintained indexes, and their highly trained, skilled personnel, enable them to make a thorough search of the records in a fraction of the time it would take a layman and to certify their findings to the prospective buyer or lender.
 
Unfortunately, however, there are many possible defects in the title, such as forged documents, documents executed by legal incompetents, etc., which even the most painstaking search of the records would not disclose. Consequently, the ultimate protection is a policy of title insurance.

Question 6

What is title insurance?

Accepted Answer

Title insurance protects against any title defects that may arise after a property is purchased. Unlike other insurances that protect for future events, title insurance protects you - the owner - from everything that happened prior to you becoming the owner.

Question 7

What is the difference between an Owner’s Policy and a Mortgage Policy? Why do I need both?

Accepted Answer

An Owner’s Policy protects the interest of the owner of real estate and lists the name(s) of the new buyer as the insured party. As the new buyer, you will want assurance from the seller that the title is marketable and free from liens that could create problems in the event you should decide to sell or refinance the property in the future. The Owner’s Policy does assure that the title is marketable and provides for defense of the title at the expense of the insurance company, if it is challenged or questioned by others. The Owner’s Policy is mailed directly to the new owner, unless otherwise specified.
 
A Mortgage Policy protects the interest of the mortgage lender and lists the lender as the insured party. All lenders require the borrower to provide proof and assurance that the loan being applied for will be in the correct lien position. If the validity of the lien of the mortgage is challenged or questioned, the policy provides for defense of the mortgage interest. The Mortgage Policy is mailed directly to the lender.
 
The Difference The Owner’s Policy is always in the full face amount thereof, and continues as long as the owner or his/her heirs have an interest in the property, while the Mortgage Policy protection terminates immediately when the loan is paid off.

Question 8

Is title insurance required? What are the risks?

Accepted Answer

Although it is highly recommended, you don’t need title insurance for yourself -- and it is not required for you to close. Unless, of course, you are financing the property. There is a very high chance that the mortgage company you use will require you to have a title insurance policy to protect their interest. 
 
Without it, should a defect in title appear while you still have interest in the property, you may find yourself in a big fight - financially and legally. 
 
Risks come when defects such as the following appear:
 
- Fraud and/or forgery
- Tax liens
- Missing heirs
- Judgments and liens
- Conflicting wills
- Public record errors or recording errors
- Easements
- Encroachment with neighbors
- Clerical errors or omissions
 
With title insurance, you simply need to submit a claim as stated in your policy.

Question 9

What is the difference between an owner’s title insurance policy and a lender’s policy?

Accepted Answer

While both of these title insurance policies work to protect against title defects, who they protect is different for each. 
An owner’s policy is one that you would purchase to protect your own interests in the property. Should any issues arise that make the title questionable, you will be protected financially and with a legal defense thanks to the policy. Without it, not so much. Your owner’s policy will remain in effect as long as you have an interest in the property. 
A lender’s policy is slightly different, although it protects against title issues, too. It is concerned with protecting the lender and its interest in the property. It is valued for the amount of the mortgage and, once the loan is satisfied, the lender’s policy is no longer valid.

Question 10

What defects are insured against?

Accepted Answer

Your title policy will protect you against any defects, not excluded from the coverage of the policy, which cause actual loss or unmarketability of title. Such defects include errors in description, errors in searching the public records, unpaid taxes, legal incompetency of parties, fraud, forgery, outstanding dower rights, defects in the execution of instruments, and many others.

Question 11

Does Reputation First Title Agency Offer remote closing options?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Reputation First uses advanced technology and various platforms to allow smooth and efficient remote closings, bringing you both comfort and convenience.

Question 12

How am I protected if a claim arises?

Accepted Answer

Under the terms of your policy the underwriter may, at its own expense, defend you against any adverse claim or legal action arising out of any encumbrance or other defect insured against, and may also indemnify you against any loss resulting therefrom up to the face amount of the policy.

Question 13

How can I learn more?

Accepted Answer

If you are ready to learn more about the advantages of a full-service title company with a quick turnaround time, contact Reputation First Title Agency today at 734-432-0100.

Question 14

What is the cost of Title Insurance?

Accepted Answer

The cost depends upon the face amount of the policy issued. The face amount is normally the market value of the real estate in the case of an Owner’s Policy, and the amount of the loan in the case of a Mortgage Policy. Only one premium is paid and the protection lasts as long as the insured has any interest in the property.
 
When property is transferred or sold at a later date and an existing Owner’s Policy is surrendered, an Owner’s Policy will be issued protecting the new purchaser at a reduced premium.
 
When an owner’s Policy and Mortgage Policy are issued simultaneously on the same land, special reduced rates are applicable.
 
Reputation First Title Agency… Meeting the needs of our customers is not just our goal — it’s our promise! We at Reputation First Michigan Title Insurance Agency strive to offer only the best in customer service.
 
Whether you are buying, selling or refinancing your home, the steps involved in a real estate transaction can be confusing. Our experienced staff at any of our offices can help eliminate any confusion you may feel by assisting you with any concerns, questions or suggestions you may have.
Note: In this area it is customary for the seller to incur the cost of the Owner’s Policy and the buyer to incur the cost of the Mortgage Policy.

Question 15

What is title insurance?

Accepted Answer

An insurance policy – protecting against loss should the condition of title to land be other than as insured.

Question 16

Why do I need title insurance?

Accepted Answer

When you buy a home, or any property for that matter, you expect to enjoy certain benefits from ownership. For example, you expect to be able to occupy and use the property as you wish, to be free from debts or obligations not created or agreed to by you, and to be able to freely sell or pledge your property as security for a loan. Title insurance is designed to cover these rights you bargain for.

Question 17

What if I have a problem? Do I have to lose my property to make a claim?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. At the mere hint of a claim adverse to your title, you should contact your title insurer or the agent who issued your policy. Title insurance includes coverage for legal expenses which may be necessary to investigate, litigate or settle an adverse claim.

Question 18

What does this cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost varies, depending mainly on the value of your property. The important thing to remember is that you only pay once, then the coverage continues in effect for so long as you have an interest in covered property. If you should die, the coverage automatically continues for the benefit of your heirs. If you sell your property, giving warranties of title to your buyer, your coverage continues. Likewise, if a buyer gives you a mortgage to finance a purchase of covered property from you, your coverage continues to protect your security interest in the property.

Question 19

If my lender gets title insurance for its mortgage, why do I need a separate policy for myself?"

Accepted Answer

The lender’s policy covers only the amount of its loan, which is usually not the full property value. In the event of an adverse claim, the lender would ordinarily not be concerned unless its loan became non-performing and the claim threatened the lender’s ability to foreclose and recover its principal and interest. And, in the event of a claim there is no provision for payment of legal expenses for an uninsured party. When a loan policy is being issued, the small additional expense of an owner’s policy is a bargain.

Question 20

Can you be a little more specific about the types of claims, or risks, covered by title insurance? A: Sure. First understand there are basically three different levels of coverage: Standard coverage, extended coverage, and our most comprehensive “EAGLE Policy” coverage."

Accepted Answer

Standard coverage handles such risks as:
 
Forgery and impersonation; Lack of competency, capacity or legal authority of a party; Deed not joined in by a necessary party (co-owner, heir, spouse, corporate officer, or business partner); Undisclosed (but recorded) prior mortgage or lien; Undisclosed (but recorded) easement or use restriction; Erroneous or inadequate legal descriptions; Lack of a right of access; and Deed not properly recorded.
 
An extended coverage policy may be requested to protect against such additional defects as:
 
Off-record matters, such as claims for adverse possession or prescriptive easement; Deed to land with buildings encroaching on land of another; Incorrect survey; Silent (off-record) liens (such as mechanics’ or estate tax liens); and Pre-existing violations of subdivision laws, zoning ordinances or CC&R’s.

Question 21

Amortization Schedule:

Accepted Answer

A schedule showing the principal and interest payments throughout the life of the loan.

Question 22

Appraised Value:

Accepted Answer

An option of the value of a property at a given time, based on facts regarding the location, improvements, etc., of the property and surroundings.

Question 23

Credit Report:

Accepted Answer

A report on the past ability of a loan applicant to pay installment payments.

Question 24

Document Preparation:

Accepted Answer

A fee charged by an attorney for preparation of legal documents for a transaction.

Question 25

Escrow Fee:

Accepted Answer

A fee charged by the title company to service the transaction, to escrow moneys, and to cover the documents. The amount varies with each company, usually split between buyer and seller.

Question 26

Escrow/Impound Account:

Accepted Answer

Funds held by the lender for payment of taxes, insurance or other periodic debts against real property. Usually does not include maintenance fees.

Question 27

Homeowner’s Insurance:

Accepted Answer

Includes the coverage of Hazard Insurance plus added coverage such as personal liability, theft away from the home (items stolen from the insured’s car), and other such coverage.

Question 28

Inspections:

Accepted Answer

An examination of property for various reasons such as, termite inspections, inspection to see if required repairs were made before funds are disbursed, etc.

Question 29

Interest:

Accepted Answer

Rate charged for the use of loan funds. Most often paid in arrears.

Question 30

Loan Application Fee:

Accepted Answer

Paid to the lender at time of application; check with lender for amount.

Question 31

Loan Discount:

Accepted Answer

The points a lender charges; may be paid by either buyer or seller on conventional loans; number of points fluctuates with mortgage money market.

Question 32

Maintenance Fee:

Accepted Answer

As applied to condominiums and planned developments, the amount charged each unit owner to maintain the common area. Usually a monthly fee as part of the budget.

Question 33

Mortgagee’s Title Policy:

Accepted Answer

Insures the lender’s lien; does not protect the buyer.

Question 34

Origination Fee:

Accepted Answer

A fee made by a lender for making a real estate loan. Usually a percentage of the amount loaned, such as one percent.

Question 35

Owner’s Title Policy:

Accepted Answer

Title insurance for the owner of property, rather than a lien holder.

Question 36

Point:

Accepted Answer

1% of loan amount.

Question 37

Prepayment Penalty:

Accepted Answer

A penalty under a note, mortgage, or deed of trust, imposed when the loan is paid before it is due.

Question 38

Private Mortgage Insurance:

Accepted Answer

Insurance against a loss by a lender (mortgagee) in the event of default by a borrower (mortgagor).

Question 39

Realtor Fees:

Accepted Answer

An amount paid to the real estate agent as compensation for his services.

Question 40

Recording Fees:

Accepted Answer

Charged by the County Clerk to record documents in the public records.

Question 41

Restrictions:

Accepted Answer

Certified copy of restrictions (in deeds of other recorded documents) required by lender.

Question 42

Survey:

Accepted Answer

The measurements of the boundaries of a parcel of land, its area, and sometimes its topography.

Question 43

Tax Proration:

Accepted Answer

To divide property taxes between buyer and seller proportionately to time of use, or the date of closing.

Question 44

Tax Certificates:

Accepted Answer

Certificates issued by tax service showing the current year’s taxes, the last year the taxes were paid, and any delinquencies to be collected at closing.

Question 45

What is considered commercial real estate?

Accepted Answer

In general, commercial real estate involves property that is intended to be used for business purposes that is profit-generating rather than for residential living purposes. Keep in mind that this can include retail locations, shopping centers, industrial warehouses, restaurants, hotels, etc., but it can also include multi-family properties, apartment buildings, high-rises, and so forth.

Question 46

Is a title search necessary for commercial real estate?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Any time you purchase a piece of property - commercial or residential - you want to make sure that the title is clear. Otherwise, once sold, everything that is attached to the property then becomes your problem. For instance, if there are any liens or judgments that don’t get cleared up before it sells, then they come with the property. It will be your responsibility to clear them up before you can sell.

Question 47

Do I need title insurance for a commercial property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, of course. Title insurance protects against any title defects that may have been missed in the title search. This is always highly recommended as a means of protecting your rights to the property - especially since it covers the cost of legal defenses.

Question 48

What is a 1031 tax-deferred exchange?

Accepted Answer

The Internal Revenue Code, Section 1031 allows you to defer paying taxes on capital gains resulting from the sale of an investment property - assuming that you are going to reinvest those gains into another property within a specified amount of time. This is very common amongst investors.

Title Insurance Questions

If I have Title Insurance, do I also need legal advice?"

What does a title company do?

What is Title Insurance?

Is a title company really necessary?

Why do I need Title Insurance?

What is title insurance?

What is the difference between an Owner’s Policy and a Mortgage Policy? Why do I need both?

Is title insurance required? What are the risks?

What is the difference between an owner’s title insurance policy and a lender’s policy?

What defects are insured against?

Does Reputation First Title Agency Offer remote closing options?

How am I protected if a claim arises?

How can I learn more?

What is the cost of Title Insurance?

What is title insurance?

Why do I need title insurance?

What if I have a problem? Do I have to lose my property to make a claim?

What does this cost?

If my lender gets title insurance for its mortgage, why do I need a separate policy for myself?"

Can you be a little more specific about the types of claims, or risks, covered by title insurance? A: Sure. First understand there are basically three different levels of coverage: Standard coverage, extended coverage, and our most comprehensive “EAGLE Policy” coverage."

Amortization Schedule:

Appraised Value:

Credit Report:

Document Preparation:

Escrow Fee:

Escrow/Impound Account:

Homeowner’s Insurance:

Inspections:

Interest:

Loan Application Fee:

Loan Discount:

Maintenance Fee:

Mortgagee’s Title Policy:

Origination Fee:

Owner’s Title Policy:

Point:

Prepayment Penalty:

Private Mortgage Insurance:

Realtor Fees:

Recording Fees:

Restrictions:

Survey:

Tax Proration:

Tax Certificates:

What is considered commercial real estate?

Is a title search necessary for commercial real estate?

Do I need title insurance for a commercial property?

What is a 1031 tax-deferred exchange?