Title Insurance Guide vs Real Estate Attorney: Which One Do You Need?
A title insurance guide costs a fraction of an attorney's hourly rate and covers the same closing cost analysis. Here's when each option makes sense.
Blog
All articles about Title Insurance Explainer & Comparison Guide.
Best Way to Evaluate Builder Closing Cost Credits Before You Sign
Builder closing cost credits of $5,000-$15,000 sound irresistible. But steering you to their affiliated lender and title company can cost $40,000 over 30 years. Here's how to run the math.
How to Decode Your Closing Disclosure Title Charges Without an Attorney
Your Closing Disclosure has $3,000-$5,000 in title charges. Here's exactly how to identify which are legitimate, which are negotiable, and which are pure padding — no attorney required.
Best Title Insurance Resource for First-Time Buyers Paying Everything Themselves
When you're covering all closing costs yourself, understanding title insurance charges is critical. Here's the best resource for first-time buyers with no one to split costs with.
How to Choose a Title Company: What Actually Matters (and What Doesn't)
Your lender or agent will recommend a title company. You have the right to use your own. Here's how to choose a title company that's good — and isn't overcharging you.
Alternatives to Accepting Your Lender's Recommended Title Company
Your lender suggested a title company. You're not required to use them. Here are your real alternatives — and how to evaluate whether switching actually saves money.
Who Pays for Title Insurance? A State-by-State Breakdown
Who pays for title insurance depends on where you live. In Texas and Florida, the seller often pays. In California, it splits by region. Here's the full state guide.
What Is a Title Search — And How Long Does It Take?
A title search is a professional review of a property's ownership history. Here's how it works, how long it takes, and how it differs from title insurance.
What Does Title Insurance Cover — and What It Doesn't
Title insurance covers hidden defects in your property's ownership history. Here's exactly what's protected, what's excluded, and what an enhanced policy adds.
Title Insurance for New Construction: Why a Brand-New Home Still Needs It
Many new-construction buyers assume a new home means no title history to worry about. That's wrong. Here's why new construction creates unique title risks — and what to do about them.
Title Insurance for Land Purchase: What Buyers Need to Know Before They Close
Buying land involves title risks that don't exist with improved properties — boundary disputes, easements, mineral rights, and access issues. Here's what title insurance covers for land.
Title Insurance for a Cash Purchase: Do You Need It If You're Not Getting a Mortgage?
Cash buyers aren't required to get title insurance. But skipping it means 100% of your purchase price is exposed. Here's how to think through the decision.
Title Insurance Cost in New York and California: What You'll Actually Pay
Title insurance in New York and California follows competitive (not government-set) pricing. Here's what to expect in each state — including who pays and how to save.
Standard vs Enhanced Title Insurance: Is the ALTA Homeowner's Policy Worth It?
The enhanced ALTA Homeowner's Policy costs about 10% more but covers 33 risks vs 10 in the standard policy. Here's what the upgrade actually adds — and when it matters.
Do I Need Title Insurance? An Honest Answer for Homebuyers
The lender's policy is required; the owner's policy is optional. But skipping the owner's policy is one of the riskiest ways to save on closing costs. Here's why.
What Is Title Insurance? A Plain-English Explanation for Homebuyers
Title insurance protects your ownership rights against hidden defects in a property's history. Here's what it actually is, what it covers, and why it exists.
Title Insurance Cost in Texas: Fixed Rates, Who Pays, and How to Save
Texas uses state-mandated title insurance rates. Here's exactly what you'll pay for a Texas property, who covers the cost, and where the real savings opportunities are.
Title Insurance for a Condo: What's Different and What You Still Need
Buying a condo involves shared ownership structures that create unique title risks. Here's what title insurance covers in a condo purchase — and what additional risks to watch for.
Reissue Rate Title Insurance: The Discount Most Buyers Never Ask For
If a property was previously insured, you may qualify for a reissue rate — a 15–30% discount on your title insurance premium. Here's how to claim it.
Title Insurance When Refinancing: What You Need to Pay For (and What You Don't)
Refinancing requires a new lender's title policy. But your owner's policy remains valid. Here's exactly what title insurance you need to buy — and where to find savings.
Title Insurance Cost: What You'll Actually Pay and Why It Varies So Much
Title insurance typically costs 0.3%–1% of the purchase price. Here's what drives the number, how to use a title insurance calculator, and where to find real savings.
ALTA Endorsements Explained: What They Are, What They Cost, and Which Ones You Actually Need
ALTA endorsements are add-ons to your title insurance policy. Some are lender-required necessities. Others are overpriced extras. Here's the full list with plain-English explanations.