Title is the legal evidence, or right, that a person has to ownership and possession of land. It is possible that someone other than the seller has legal right to the property you’re buying. If that right can be established, this person can claim the property outright or make demands on the owner for its use.

What Can Make A Title Defective

There can be any number of problems that remain undisclosed even after the most careful search of public records. These hidden “defects” are very dangerous and sometimes are not discovered for months, even years after you purchase your home. You might be forced to spend a substantial amount of money on a legal defense, and still result in the loss of your property.

Title Insurance provides protection from these hidden defects. The list of defects goes on and on, but here are a few examples:

• Mechanic’s Liens in Virginia
• Deeds from minors or non-existent entities
• Creditor claims
• A defective Title
• Easements by prescription not discovered by a survey
• Errors in tax records
• Duress in execution of documents
• Undisclosed heirs
• Federal, state inheritance gift tax liens
• Mistaken interpretation of wills and trusts
• Deeds executed under the false or expired powers of attorney

Title insurance protects your investment. It will protect you from financial loss caused by Title problems. Title insurance is a one-time premium that provides all the coverage you need to protect your investment.

Two Types of Title Insurance

There are two (2) types of Title Insurance: a Lender’s Policy and an Owner’s Policy. When you have a mortgage on the property the lender will very likely require that you purchase a Lender’s policy.

This Lender’s Policy only insures that the financial institution has a valid, enforceable lien on the property. A Lender’s Policy does not protect you, the home owner.

An Owner’s Title Policy on the other hand is designed to protect you, the owner, from title defects that existed prior to the issue date of your policy. It also covers the full cost of any legal defense of your Title.

This one-time premium is directly related to the value of your home. Typically, it is less expensive than your annual auto insurance. It is a one-time expense, paid only when you purchase your home, yet it continues to provide complete coverage for as long as your or your heirs own the property.

When should you look into purchasing Title Insurance?

When you and the seller sign the contract agreement to transfer ownership of the property, provide a copy and a brief summary of the details to your Processor. He or she will get the ball rolling and begin the search process, etc. Our Processor will take a number of steps to make certain that he or she knows as much as possible about the Title, etc.

Used with permission from Old Republic National Title Insurance Company

Tips for home sellers

Increase your home’s appeal.

Exterior

• Look at your property from the buyers’ vantage point as they approach in their vehicle. If the mailbox is the first thing they see, it should be free of dents, clean, and fresh in appearance. Are trees or shrubs along the drive properly trimmed back? Is the lawn mowed, hedge trimmed, garden pruned? If you are selling your home in the fall, try to keep the leaves raked and the lawn cleared of other debris.
• Next, that all-important first critical look at the house itself. Put yourself in the buyers’ shoes. Stand in the driveway and imagine you are seeing your home for the first time. Make certain the walkway to the front door is swept, that there are no children’s toys scattered about.
• See that the roof and gutters are clean, windows washed, doorknobs gleaming and welcome mat in place. If you discover any obvious signs of disrepair – blistered or peeling paint, rusted drain spouts, or missing shingles—ask your REALTOR® whether you should have them fixed before showing the home.

Interior

• One word of restraint: do not undertake any major redecorating unless it is absolutely necessary. That beautiful new Berber carpet in the living room and Tyrannosaurus Rex wallpaper in the children ‘s bedroom may not be to the buyers’ liking. They may see it as decoration they’ll have to replace when the home is theirs. In most instances you are not likely to recoup the added expense of any such work.
• Repair or replace worn-out and broken accessories. Badly chipped tiles on the kitchen counter, a broken hand railing on the staircase, or noisy hot water heater create a negative impression of the home’s overall condition. The rather minimal expense of eliminating these problems is usually worthwhile.
• Clean up! It doesn’t have to be boot camp spotless, but your home should be generally clean and uncluttered. Wash and wax hard wood floors, vacuum carpets thoroughly, remove grease and grime from walls. Clean kitchen and bathroom tiles. Polish and dust your furniture, and vacuum, if necessary.
• Make certain all faucets, sinks and toilet bowls are cleaned and properly functioning.
• Thin out closets. If your clothes are packed to the rafters, place enough in temporary storage to give the impression that your home has adequate closet space.
• Garage and basement: Get rid of the junk! You may think you can’t live without your collection of 25 fishing rods, but your buyers will want to see a neat, orderly space with enough room for their favorite odds and ends. Also, put a fresh coat of white paint on the walls. It’s a minor expense and it goes a long way toward creating the right feeling of freshness.
• Furniture: Take an hour to visit an apartment complex model. Note how these typically small rooms are made to appear larger than they are, with very little furniture. Traffic patterns are open and accessible; doors to bathrooms often removed. Apply those lessons at home. Remove two or three chairs, an end table and lamp, or other objects that are not absolutely necessary in a room. Make sure your own traffic patterns within and between rooms are generous.

Team With Your Realtor®

• Your Realtor® typically has a wealth of experience in every aspect of home selling. Take advantage of his or her knowledge and work together for a quick, successful sale:

Ask your REALTOR® what else you might do to frame your home in the best light.

• Be sure to make your home available for showings. Your Realtor® spends considerable time and effort to advertise, qualify prospects, show the property, and ultimately negotiate the sale. Try to accommodate requested appointments whenever possible.
• Compile a short packet of information on your neighborhood: local schools, transit systems, parks, libraries, municipal services, etc. Also, be certain to include the cost and availability of day care, as prospective buyers may well have children.
• For other helpful tips and tools on selling your home, click on the link to REALTOR.COM

Showing Tips

• When your REALTOR® calls to bring a prospective buyer to your home, prompt attention to last-minute details can enhance your home’s appeal:
• Straighten up minor messes – newspapers to the garage, china and silverware in cupboards, ironing board back in the closet.
• Clear tables. That collection of golf magazines may be handy on the cocktail table, but it creates an unwanted air of clutter.
• Confine your pets. Some people may tremble in fear at the sight of your pet, even if it is a miniature Schnauzer; so keep dogs or cats in transport kennels in the garage or basement.
• Leave the lights on! Even your Realtor® won’t necessarily remember that the switch for the recessed ceiling lights is hidden inside the foyer closet.
• Leave home whenever possible. Your Realtor® has been hired because of his or her expertise at home sales. Stay out of the way. Besides, buyers may be uncomfortable if they feel you’re watching their every move.
• If you can’t leave, greet your guests politely and retreat to another room. Send the kids and the dog outside. That way your REALTOR® will be able to best answer questions and most effectively show your home.

Used with permission from Old Republic National Title Insurance Company