If you’re in the process of buying or selling a home in Colorado, you’ll likely hear the term “title insurance”. But what does it actually mean and why is it important?
Title insurance protects both homeowners and lenders from issues with a property’s title that could cause legal or financial problems. These could include things like unpaid taxes, old liens, boundary disputes, or even ownership claims from heirs or previous owners. Title insurance is different from other types of insurance because it protects against past issues, not future risks.
There are two main types of title insurance. Lender’s title insurance is typically required by your mortgage company and protects their interest in the property. Owner’s title insurance is optional, but highly recommended; it protects you, the buyer, from unexpected claims. In most Summit County transactions, sellers pay for the owner’s policy, but this is negotiable in the contract.
So what does it cost? Title insurance is a one-time fee paid at closing, and it’s based on the purchase price of the home. For example, a $500,000 home might have a policy around $1,250. A $1 million home could cost closer to $2,000 or more. These are estimates, and the team at Land Title Guarantee Company offers an online calculator to generate quotes based on your transaction.
While buyers and sellers can choose any title company, many locals and real estate professionals prefer Land Title due to their deep knowledge of the Colorado market, strong customer service, and reliable closing processes. In a real estate transaction, choosing a great title partner makes the process smoother and more secure for everyone involved.
In summary, title insurance is one of the most important parts of a real estate transaction, and it’s something you don’t want to overlook. It protects your investment and gives you peace of mind that your home is truly yours, free of legal issues or past claims.
Have questions about how it works or who to use? Reach out—we’re happy to guide you through the process and connect you with a trusted title rep.