Q &
A
Questions? Start here.
Real estate comes with enough moving parts. Our goal is to make the title and closing side of the transaction easier to understand. Below are answers to some of the questions we hear most often from buyers, sellers, realtors, lenders, and property owners.
What is a title order?
A title order is the formal request that starts the title and closing process. It gives our team the property and transaction information we need to open the file, begin the title search, review ownership and recorded matters, and prepare for closing.
How do I order title?
Submit your title order directly through our website. Provide the transaction details, upload the executed contract and any supporting documents, and our team will take it from there.
What should I send with my title order?
What if one of the property owners has passed away?
The more complete the file is from the beginning, the smoother the process can be. Along with the executed contract, send any documents that may apply to the property or transaction, including a Trust Certification, Death Certificate, Power of Attorney, prior owner’s title policy, or prior survey.
Not sure whether something matters? Send it. We would rather review it early than discover we need it later.
What happens after you receive my title order?
Once we receive the order, our team opens the file, begins the title work, reviews the transaction details and coordinates the items needed to move toward closing.
If we uncover something that requires additional information or documentation, we work with the appropriate parties to address it as early in the process as possible.
What does a title search look for?
A title search examines the public record associated with the property and its ownership history. We are looking for matters that could affect the transfer of title, such as liens, judgments, mortgages, ownership interests, recorded documents, or other issues that may need to be addressed before closing.
At Hometown Title, our title searches stay local. We do not subcontract this work outside our community!
What is title insurance protecting me from?
Tell us immediately and provide a Death Certificate if one is available.
How the property can be transferred will depend on how title was held and the circumstances surrounding the estate. Additional probate, estate, trust, or ownership documentation may be required.
This is one situation where involving us early can make a significant difference.
Title insurance is designed to protect against certain covered title defects or ownership issues tied to events that occurred before you acquired the property. An owner’s title policy protects the homeowner’s ownership interest, while a lender’s title policy protects the lender’s interest in the property.
They serve different purposes, which is why a lender’s policy should not be mistaken for protection of the homeowner’s ownership interest.
I already have a prior owner's title policy. Do you need it?
Yes.
If you have a copy of your prior owner’s title policy, please provide it to us. It may help you qualify for a reissue rate, which could reduce the cost of your new title insurance policy. If you can’t locate it, contact our office and we’ll help determine what options may be available.
Can I get a title quote before I order title?
Absolutely.
Our title quote tools can generate title quotes, seller net sheets, buyer estimates, and ALTA Settlement Statements. You can use our online quoting tools or contact our team if you would rather have us help with your specific transaction.
What if one of the property owners has passed away?
Tell us immediately and provide a Death Certificate if one is available.
How the property can be transferred will depend on how title was held and the circumstances surrounding the estate. Additional probate, estate, trust, or ownership documentation may be required.
This is one situation where involving us early can make a significant difference.
What if the property is owned by a trust?
Let us know as early as possible and send us the applicable trust documentation, including a Trust Certification if available.
Trust-owned property can require additional review before documents are prepared or signing requirements are determined. Getting that information to us early helps prevent surprises as closing approaches.
Can I use a Power of Attorney for my closing?
Potentially, but send it to us before closing day.
A Power of Attorney must be reviewed to determine whether it can be used for the specific transaction and documents being signed. Certain real estate transactions, particularly those involving Florida homestead property, can have additional execution and spousal-joinder requirements.
My spouse isn't on the title. Do they still have to sign?
They may.
Florida homestead rules can require a spouse to join in certain deeds or mortgages even when that spouse is not listed as an owner of record.
Whether a spouse must sign depends on the property and the specific transaction, so never assume that being “off title” automatically means being “off the closing documents.”
Always verify signing requirements with our office prior to closing.
Can I close without coming into one of your offices?
Depending on the transaction, alternative signing arrangements may be available.
If you will be traveling, living out of the area, or unable to attend closing in person, tell us as early as possible. We can review the transaction and coordinate the appropriate closing arrangements.
The key is simple: don’t wait until closing day to tell us.
Do you handle commercial transactions too?
Yes.
Our team works with both residential and commercial real estate transactions. We also have experience with transactions involving more complicated circumstances, including short sales, foreclosures, trusts, estates and other title-related considerations.