QUESTION: Is Owner's Title Insurance really necessary? ANSWER: "A stitch in time saves nine" -Benjamin Franklin Hidden risks are potential title problems, which even the most scrupulous examination by the most experienced team of title search professionals may not uncover until months or even years after a property is sold. The end result can be loss of property, costly lawsuits and, of course, delayed closings. For far, far less than costly lawsuits & legal advice, Owner's Title Insurance is your best protection - forever - against the unforeseen. We offer solid coverage, at nominal cost, for both Lenders and Owners. For complete details, CALL 1-800-655-0013 Does the Buyer need an Owner's Title Insurance policy when the title has been examined by a competent and experienced real estate attorney? YES! - Absolutely. Doesn't the examination of title remove any possible title problems? NO! - That's why Owner's Title Insurance exists. Potential title problems, called hidden risks, may not be discovered until months or even years after you purchase your home. Even the most scrupulous examination by an experienced real estate attorney is not a guarantee that every title problem has been identified and resolved. Hidden risks can result in substantial attorney's fees, costly lawsuits and even loss of property. Examples of Hidden Risks: Clerical errors made at the Registry of Deeds Forged deeds, mortgage releases or other forged documents Deeds made by persons of unsound mind Deeds made by minors Falsification of records Previously undisclosed heirs of previous owners Improper legal description A deed executed using an expired power of attorney Title taken as a result of an improperly probated will False representation of the true owner of the property Improperly indexed liens on property There are two types of Title Insurance: Lender's Coverage (required by most Mortgage Lenders) and Owner's Coverage. Lender's Coverage insures only the Lender's interest against title defects. It protects the Lender in case the Lender becomes the owner of the property upon foreclosure. Owner's Coverage is intended to protect you - the property owner - from defects in title that could have significant impact on your interest in the property and its marketability. Even a minor defect in title can cost much more to correct than the cost of the Owner's Title Insurance. A one-time premium, paid when you purchase your property, protects you from title defects for as long as you own the property. And in many cases, even after you have sold it. The title insurer will defend claims at no cost to you. "First American's Owner's Title Insurance got us out of what would have been a catastrophic situation." - Nancy Babcock & David Walker "It was a blessing we had this coverage. We'd have never anticipated a problem." - Robert & Charlene Dindo