There are many different parties involved in the transfer of property from one owner to the next. And each party plays a significant role to ensure that the transaction is completed legally and seamlessly.
If you are buying or selling your home, then you may start out with a real estate agent, but it won’t be long until you come face to face with a title agent at your chosen title company. Here is what you can expect from one when you do.
What is a Title Agent?
The title of the property you are purchasing is not a tangible thing, but rather a legal ownership. You want to ensure that there are no issues or defects with the title that could prohibit it from being a smooth, clean transfer from the old owner to you.
This is where your title agent comes in.
Title agents will perform what is known as a title search. This is an in-depth look at all the records in the property’s history. They make sure that the seller has the legal right to sell the property. And, they are looking to make sure there are no judgments, liens, outstanding taxes, mortgages, and so forth attached to the property.
Title agents will help to correct any title issues so that your sale can proceed. Once they have determined that the title is clear, they will then offer you title insurance and move forward toward the settlement.
Title Agents and Your Settlement
Title agents don’t just handle the initial title clearance and title insurance, but they are there to facilitate the closing, too.
A lot goes into a settlement. You have all the loan documents, title insurance, and other closing documents that need to be neatly organized so that they can be properly signed, notarized, and sent over to post-settlement.
Title agents are with you every step of the way - from contract to closing. They remain open with you throughout each step, guiding you through the process and answering any questions you may have.
Getting to the settlement is always the goal, but it is a good idea to know what to expect. And, your title agent can help with that.
Importance of Choosing the Right Title Agent
Your real estate purchase may be the most important investment you will make in your lifetime. Unfortunately, a lot can go wrong with these transactions. Without the right title agent, you could encounter issues with your title that didn’t get addressed properly before closing. This could lead to some devastating consequences down the road - especially if you elect not to purchase title insurance.
Having the right title agent on your side, however, ensures that you have a smooth ride all the way to the settlement. And that is the best outcome you could ask for when purchasing a new home.
Title Services at Buchanan Settlement Services
At Buchanan Settlement Services, our title agents have extensive experience with all stages and all types of real estate transactions. We work closely with you at every turn so that you always have a thorough understanding of the process.
Ready to learn more or get started? Contact us today at (717) 762-1415.
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