To many buyers it appears that title insurance is another add-on cost that gets slipped in at closing to make extra fees at the buyer's expense?

Let's take a look at what title insurance is and then we will list some of the reasons why we always buy it when purchasing real estate

Title insurance takes over where the attorney's liability stops. Keep in mind that an attorney's title opinion is based solely on the public records. Among many other things, they must rely on the fact that the previously prepared documents in the chain of title were executed properly and were in fact executed by the persons named within. Because your attorney was not there when these events took place, it must be assumed that everyone told the truth and took no liberties whatsoever with insuring that the execution process was carried out in a proper manner.

Keep in mind that anyone can prepare a deed, have it witnessed and notarized, then recorded in the public records. Problems may not emerge until many years after you buy the property, and should a problem occur, the resulting claims and financial losses can be disastrous. Here are a few of the things that could surface later that would not be revealed during a normal examination. (Consequently, your attorney would bear no responsibility for any losses you incur as a result of claims made against your property.)

Title insurance is a one time purchase and there are no annual premiums. Two types of title insurance are generally used in typical sales

An "owner's" title insurance policy is usually for the amount of the purchase price, while a "lender's" policy is for only the amount of the mortgage and consequently decreases as the mortgage is reduced. It is wise to pay for the additional owner's title policy even when a lender is not involved. With this coverage, the title insurance company will defend you against claims up to the entire amount of your purchase and will continue to protect you and your heirs as long as you continue to hold title. The bank or "lender" is only concerned with protection in an amount necessary to cover the loan balance.