Buying a home for the first time is an exciting time. Heck, even if it isn’t your first time but your fifth, it’s still exciting.  One of the biggest questions from DFW home buyers is about title insurance. Is it required and why do they need it?  Read on to find out why this is an important protection for you to have and not just frivolous fee. 

Is Title Insurance Necessary?

While title insurance is not necessary to own a home. You could miss out on valuable protection from claims against your ownership of the house without it. In the process, you could run the risk of losing your investment. In extreme cases, a title insurance policy saves you from nightmare scenarios, like hidden taxes, restrictions, encumbrances, and anything that depreciates the home or is inaccurately recorded in the deed.

Title insurance may also protect you from the unforeseen or unknown issues that pop up when you buy a property. Some scenarios that may arise include:

•    The seller purchased the property after an illegal foreclosure sale.

•    A long-lost relative who had ownership in the home decades ago appears claiming they never agreed to the sale resulting in a lawsuit.

•    Following the purchase, a contractor claims they performed services on the home and never received payment from the previous owner, suing you and placing a lien on the house. When a lien is placed on your home, it can stop you from refinancing or selling your home, unless the outstanding balance is paid. Legitimate owners with rightful claims can result in you losing your home altogether. 

Even if you believe you can trust the seller of the home, the home itself could come with unknown problems causing issues later down the road. It’s always a wise move to be safe and be sure you own the home by investing in a title insurance policy.

Be mindful that title insurance only covers issues that date from before you bought the home. If the government decides it wants to tear down your house and construct a highway, or you neglect to pay your property taxes you’re out of luck, title insurance will not cover you.

Remember…

A lot goes into looking for the right home. There are many unique homes, neighborhoods, and features for you to choose from when searching for your perfect home in Colleyville, Southlake, Grapevine and surrounding areas.  The agents at Minteer Real Estate Team are here to serve you in your search for your dream home.  You will be supported by not only your agent but a dedicated client services team to provide guidance and answer any questions that may arise during the transaction.