Purchasing a home is probably the largest investment you will ever make. So before you sign on the dotted line, you want to be sure that the property's title is clear of any other claims.

A title insurance company ensures that your new property doesn't carry expensive encumbrances and other legal obstacles.

You pay the title insurance company a single premium which includes the cost of verifying clear title and covers you in case some fault is later discovered in the title.

The title insurance company performs an extensive search on the property's title history. The title insurance company can usually identify any title problems that may arise and have these problems cleared-up prior to closing.

Because Real Estate Law is so complex, you need an expert to make sure that all previous transactions have been correct, so you don't end up with legal problems or a problem with the title to your property. Your title insurance owner's policy will describe the property and outline any recorded limitations on your ownership. It will also cover what the title insurance company is responsible for. Typically your title insurance will protect you in the following cases:

• Contested title — This usually happens when someone who owned or even lived in the home before you claims to still hold an interest. If this happens, the title company will defend the title and will cost you nothing.
• Defective title — This is a general term for a legal problem with the title that cannot be corrected and includes "contested title" above. Other examples of title defects include problems with legal access to the property, easements that make the property less usable, unusable, or unsaleable. Any number of other complicated problems define "Defective title" or "Clouded Title." The title insurance policy will protect you from these errors if the title company doesn't discover them.

At Clear Mortgage Lending, Inc., we answer questions about this process every day. Give us a call: 954-605-2450.