Learn how Pennsylvania title services work for residential and commercial real estate, including title searches, insurance, closings, and common risks to avoid.

Learn what title insurance covers in Pennsylvania, when to buy it, typical costs, and key exclusions before closing. Get a buyer checklist and expert tips from Buchanan Settlement Services.

Deed Fraud Is Growing in Pennsylvania In April 2025, the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors warned consumers about a sharp rise in deed and title fraud. The title fraud warnings included criminals who forged signatures and filed fake property documents with county offices to steal homes. These schemes target both homeowners and buyers. If you own property in Waynesboro, Chambersburg, or anywhere in Pennsylvania, your home is at risk if you don’t stay alert. According to th

Real Risks, What’s Covered, and How to Protect Your Closing Buying a home should feel exciting, not risky! Recent stories from Pennsylvania about mishandling escrow funds during closings may have you wondering how to protect yourself. The truth is simple. When you understand how escrow works, what title insurance does and does not cover, and which safeguards to insist on, you can walk into closing feeling calm and confident. This guide explains the red flags to watch for, th

Imagine purchasing an office building or retail space in Pennsylvania—maybe in Waynesboro or Chambersburg—only to later discover someone argues they still own part of the land. Without proper title insurance in Pennsylvania , commercial property owners risk losing millions due to hidden problems. Hidden Title Hazards in Pennsylvania Commercial Real Estate Commercial deals mask complex title risks: Unexpected boundary disputes Forged documents Errors in public records These is

Help Your Clients Avoid Hidden Title Risks As a real estate agent in Pennsylvania, your clients rely on your guidance to navigate one of the biggest purchases of their lives. Yet even the smoothest home purchase can go sideways if title issues arise . Unknown liens, deed fraud, or ownership disputes can cost thousands, or delay the closing entirely. The best defense? Helping your buyers secure title insurance in Pennsylvania from a partner you trust. Why the Right Title Insu

Purchasing your first house in Pennsylvania is exciting—but it also comes with invisible risks that require your attention . Hidden problems may exist within property title records, often only revealed after a thorough document review. New homebuyers who skip purchasing title insurance risk facing past debts, legal claims, and even the loss of their newly acquired property. Understanding title insurance requirements , and the risks of going without coverage, is essential for

Imagine receiving a tax notice for a property loan you never took out—or worse, finding out someone else is trying to sell your land. This isn't a rare scam—it’s happening all across Pennsylvania. Deed Fraud Is Quietly Growing in Pennsylvania According to the 2025 National Association of Realtors Deed and Fraud Survey , 63% of Realtor leaders nationwide have seen or heard of title fraud cases in the past year. In the Northeast, that number jumps to a staggering 92%. Title fra

If you're a real estate investor in Pennsylvania, chances are you've heard of a 1031 exchange. But what does it actually involve? And what role does a company like Buchanan 1031 Exchange, LLC play in the process? Many clients come to us with great questions about 1031 exchanges , so we wanted to share answers to the most common ones we hear during real estate transactions. In supporting 1031 exchanges, we’ve worked with many investors to ensure successful, legal, and timely e

Real estate transactions often bring unexpected surprises to buyers and sellers through closing costs. Many people wonder about the role...

The process of buying or selling a home brings up questions about the role of title companies during closing procedures. Buchanan Settlement Services provides clear explanations about the closing process because we want your experience to be both safe and stress-free. As a title agent in Pennsylvania , I have seen how important it is to have a trusted team protecting your transaction. Whether you are a homeowner, seller, land developer, lender, attorney, or real estate agent,

When buying or selling a home, the legal jargon can sometimes feel overwhelming. Among the numerous terms and legal documents, you may...

Wire fraud in real estate is a growing concern, particularly for home buyers navigating complex transactions. The dream of owning a home...

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are beginning to allow the use of Attorney Opinion Letters (AOLs) instead of requiring a title insurance.

Real estate fraud seems to be a steady threat to the industry. The scams can come in many different forms, but wire fraud is often a...

The real estate market is very active right now with title companies handling multiple real estate closings each day. But as the buyers,...

Scammers have been trying to get involved in real estate transactions for years — especially when it comes to wire fraud. While many have...

Real estate agents work with buyers and sellers who, often, are not overly familiar with the process. After all, property transactions...

It is normal to want to avoid costs when you can when buying a home — especially since this purchase is going to be one of the biggest...

It may not be something you think about when you’re in the process of buying or selling a home, but wire fraud is actually a serious...