Monthly Archives: June 2025

Why Do I Need Title Insurance?

Ok, it’s not usually a BURGER trying to gain unlawful entry into your home. It’s usually a burglar. But you looked, didn’t you? When you think about someone breaking in to your property, the property you own, you don’t usually think of title insurance, do you? Well…two things: 1) do you really own the property?; and 2) are you sure?

Did you know that there are two kinds of title insurance you can get when you buy a property? One type, the mandatory one, is to protect the LENDER. Not you. Interesting that you pay for it, but it’s FOR the lender. To protect their investment. the OTHER kind is not mandatory, but if you don’t have it, you may be at risk. How, you ask? Well let’s look at why title insurance is needed. It is needed to protect you from

  • Errors in public records
  • Unknown liens (e.g., unpaid taxes or contractor bills)
  • Fraud or forgery
  • Undisclosed heirs or ownership claims
  • Boundary or survey disputes

See, we often relax into thinking that title insurance is just to find out where the property lines are. But noooooo. I could add to that list ‘easements’. Your property might have a section which allows someone else free access to drive over it to access ANOTHER property. Or there could be a sewer easement under ‘your land’ that might need to be accessed one day and if you have built a structure there, guess what’s going to happen to that structure? Note that the entity having to access the sewer is entitled to take down that structure and they do not have to replace or pay for it.

Imagine sitting in the recliner in your pajamas, watching TV before you saunter off to bed in your beautiful home, and there’s a Ring doorbell chime. You go to the door and the guy says, I’m the legal heir to this property and I want you out. Oh yeah, it does happen. Why? Because there might be ‘undisclosed heirs’. It usually takes time for them to be told their great, great grandpa’s house was sold, but if they are out there, they could show up and ring that doorbell. OR, the sheriff shows up with an eviction notice, originated by, you guessed it, that undisclosed heir.

So while you are adding up your ‘up front costs’, please include TWO title insurance policies: One for the lender and one for you. If a dispute arises, title insurance pays for legal defense and covers any financial loss — potentially saving you thousands.

Once you buy a home, you want to live in it worry-free. Owner’s title insurance gives you confidence that your investment is protected. So if the BURGER shows up, you can just eat it and go to bed.

Give me a call. I’m a real estate agent and Realtor at Premier Advantage Realty. Find me at brendasellsnchomes@godaddysites.com, or email me, text me, send a carrier pigeon. I’m here!

First Time Buyer and Other Fantasies

Have you thought about what a tough time first time buyers are having these days? Buyers often have to come up with down payment dollars, closing costs, attorney fees and inspection costs, earnest money and sometimes even due diligence fees. As well, buyers often are responsible for hefty real estate agency fees as well. I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t have come anywhere near being able to do that for MY first home. Yes, times have changed, but a dollar is still a dollar.

There are efforts to help first time buyers. There are 100% financing options through USDA, but there are income limits. And there are loan packages with incentive dollars attached, often to be used for closing costs, but those often tie you in to the property for a period of time. I’m NOT a lender, but hopefully this will give you some ideas about what to ask a lender about. Don’t ever be afraid to ask a lender to help you figure out how to use the least money out of your limited funds (if they are limited), because this is what they do every day. And their advice is free.

And guys, make an appointment and go LOOK THEM IN THE EYE while you explore options to get you into your first home and out of the rental gerbil wheel. Remember your RENT can suddenly increase every year, but your mortgage payment will remain stable unless you opt for a balloon loan or an adjustable rate loan product. Balloon loans usually come with a low entry interest rate, as do adjustable rates, but it’s what happens AFTER that you must be aware of and prepare for.

Sellers, if your house isn’t moving and you’re considering a price drop, consider offering a rate buy-down instead. That can make a huge difference for buyers who are shopping payment, which many are.

I’ve said many times, my heart is always with first time buyers. I am always honored to help them with their very first home. If I can help you, I’m at thepremieradvantage.com, and search agents. I’m Brenda and I’d love to meet you.