5 Costly Mistakes First-Time Home Buyers Make Without Title Insurance

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 every Pennsylvania homebuyer, especially those purchasing in Waynesboro or Chambersburg.

Real Cases, Real Losses—And They’re 100% Avoidable

Title insurance protects you from hidden issues tied to a property’s ownership record, such as unpaid property taxes, undisclosed heirs, or forged signatures. These aren’t rare occurrences. Unpaid debts affecting property ownership happen more often than most people realize, especially in today’s fast-moving real estate market.

At Buchanan Settlement Services, we provide title insurance solutions to first-time homebuyers across Pennsylvania. For new buyers, title insurance is an essential investment. Without it, you could face thousands of dollars in unexpected expenses—or lose your home entirely.

5 Costly Mistakes to Watch For

1. Paying Off Someone Else’s Debt

Without title insurance, you could inherit unpaid property taxes, contractor bills, or other debts from the previous owner. Once the home transfers to you, those debts become your responsibility.

• Protect Yourself: A thorough title search and insurance policy through a trusted Pennsylvania title insurance company ensures these issues are found and resolved before closing.

2. Losing the Home to a Missing Heir

If a previously unknown heir has a legal claim to the property, they can challenge your ownership—even after closing. This could lead to long legal battles and the possible loss of your home.

• Protect Yourself: Title insurance for new Pennsylvania homeowners provides legal defense and financial protection in these scenarios.

3. Falling Victim to Forgery or Title Fraud

Scammers sometimes forge signatures or transfer deeds illegally. The transaction may appear legitimate—until you discover it was never lawful.

• Protect Yourself: Our title insurance services in Pennsylvania detect red flags like forged documents before you finalize your purchase.

4. Facing Delays or Cancelled Closings

If title issues arise mid-process, your closing could be delayed or canceled. You could lose your earnest money and miss the opportunity to buy your dream home.

• Protect Yourself: Buchanan’s real estate closing services in Pennsylvania identify and resolve problems early to keep your closing on schedule.

5. Thinking Title Insurance Is Optional

Some buyers assume they don’t need title insurance if the property documents look fine. However, some problems are hidden in public records or never recorded at all.

• Protect Yourself: Title insurance is a one-time investment that safeguards your biggest purchase—your home.

Protect Your First Home with Buchanan Settlement Services

Whether you’re buying in Waynesboro, Chambersburg, or anywhere in Pennsylvania, avoiding future risks starts at closing. Buchanan Settlement Services provides first-time buyers with secure, attorney-supervised closings, including:

✅ Full title searches

✅ Attorney-certified title insurance in PA

✅ Local expertise in Pennsylvania title issues

✅ Reliable service from a trusted title insurance company in PA

Call us at (717) 762-1415 or contact us to schedule a consultation or learn how title insurance protects your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is title insurance, and why is it important in Pennsylvania?

A: Title insurance protects you from financial loss due to unpaid liens, ownership disputes, forged documents, and other title defects. In Pennsylvania, unique local laws and historical property records make it especially important.

Q2: Does title insurance cover problems after I’ve bought the home?

A: Yes. Title insurance provides ongoing legal and financial protection after closing, defending against new claims and undiscovered issues.

Q3: How much does title insurance cost in Pennsylvania?

A: The cost is a one-time fee based on your home’s purchase price. Your title agent will provide a breakdown of costs at closing, per Pennsylvania regulations.

Q4: What’s the difference between a title search and title insurance?

A: A title search reviews public records for ownership problems, legal claims, and liens. Title insurance goes further by protecting you from unknown or unrecorded issues not found in the search.

Q5: Why choose Buchanan Settlement Services for my closing?

A: With offices in Waynesboro and Chambersburg, we provide local expertise, attorney-certified services, and a proven record of safe, worry-free closings for first-time homebuyers.