Title review protects the transaction
The title process identifies ownership, liens, judgments, easements and other recorded matters. Required issues must be resolved or insured according to the transaction and lender requirements.
Treat wire instructions as high risk
Criminals impersonate settlement professionals and send altered instructions. Verify instructions through a known phone number, not contact information contained in an unexpected email.
- Do not accept last-minute emailed changes without independent verification
- Confirm the recipient name and bank details
- Send funds only through the approved method
- Report suspicious communication immediately
Read before signing
Compare the final disclosure with prior expectations and ask about changes. The settlement professional and appropriate legal adviser should explain title, deed, vesting and local closing documents.
Frequently asked questions
Is title insurance the same as homeowners insurance?
No. They address different risks. Ask the settlement professional about lender and owner title coverage.
Who decides how title is held?
Ownership form has legal and estate consequences. Obtain appropriate legal advice rather than relying on a mortgage website.
Claims in this guide were checked against the linked primary sources. Program guidelines can change; personal eligibility requires a complete application and review.