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For homeowners

Buying or selling?
We've got your title covered.

Everything you need to know about title insurance — what it is, what it covers, how it works, and why it protects one of the biggest investments you'll ever make.

Order Title Call 704-467-3031

Buyers

When purchasing a home, it's essential to verify the seller's rightful ownership and ensure there are no unresolved issues that could impede the transfer of the title to you.

Why is this important? Problems with the title can impose limitations on property usage and potentially lead to financial losses. This is where title insurance becomes invaluable, and Title Simply is here to assist you — we conduct thorough title searches to confirm your ownership is clear of any encumbrances.

The cost of title insurance is paid only once, with no renewal premiums or expiration dates. This protection endures for as long as you, or your successors, hold an interest in the property.

Sellers

Selling your house? Title Simply can help. We'll assist you in finding an experienced closing attorney and satisfying any liens. We promise a smooth closing, great communication, and amazing service — whether you're listing for sale by owner or working with a real estate agent.

  • Timely and accurate title commitments
  • Experienced and knowledgeable
  • Ability to resolve complex issues
Title Insurance 101

What is title insurance, and why do I need it?

When you take out a mortgage, one part of your closing costs will be title insurance. The premium is a one-time charge, and the lender's policy protects the lender. You can also purchase an owner's policy to protect yourself — though it's not required.

Title insurance covers third-party claims on a property that don't show up in the initial title search and arise after closing. A third party is someone other than the owner — such as a contractor who wasn't paid for work under a previous owner. "Title" refers to someone's legal ownership of the property.

A claim could arise at any time, even after years of trouble-free ownership. Someone else might hold ownership rights you don't know about — an overlooked heir, for example — and even the current owner might not be aware of them.

Bright, welcoming home interior
Pay once, protected for good
No renewals, no expiration
Comprehensive title search
Ownership clarity, verified

Before your loan closes, your lender orders a title search from a title company, which searches public records — deeds, mortgages, divorce decrees, court judgments, tax records and child support orders — to find any defects that could affect property rights, such as:

Liens

Placed on a property by a contractor, tax authority or lender who hasn't been paid. You don't want to get stuck paying a previous owner's unpaid bills.

Easements

Someone else's right to use your property even though you own it — utility lines in your backyard, for example — which could limit how you use it.

Encumbrances

Liens and easements, but also zoning laws, restrictive covenants imposed by HOAs, and leaseholder rights. If the search reveals "clouds," we work to resolve them.

Coverage

What it covers — and what it doesn't.

A policy covers underlying title issues that might have been missed before you bought the home — handy if the public-record search failed to catch a lien or ownership dispute.

Property survey errors
Boundary disputes
Errors on the property deed
Building code violations by a previous owner
Conflicting wills
Claims by an ex-spouse who didn't sign off
Forged documents
Liens from contractors, taxing entities or lenders
Encroachments
Improperly recorded documents
Good to know

What it does not cover

Title insurance doesn't protect against every infringement on your property rights — particularly problems caused by your own actions, such as failing to pay a contractor who replaced your roof, failing to pay your property taxes, or eminent domain, when a government seizes private property for public use. It protects against issues that existed before you bought — not ones newly created after.

Your options

Standard vs. expanded coverage

Homeowners can choose between standard and expanded coverage, which broadens protection against certain additional risks. We'll walk you through exactly what expanded coverage adds so you can decide what's right for your situation.

Ask us about coverage
Cost & how it works

Who pays, and how much does it cost?

How much does it cost?

A one-time, up-front fee — not an ongoing expense. An owner's policy is based on the home's purchase price; a lender's on the loan amount. Together they usually run about 0.5%–1.0% of the purchase price, or $1,500–$3,000 on a $300,000 home, per ALTA.

Who pays?

The buyer pays for the lender's policy as part of closing costs. Either the buyer or seller can pay for the owner's policy — local real estate custom often determines who. Buying both at once can lower the owner's policy cost through a "simultaneous issue" charge.

Same price, statewide

In North and South Carolina, the price for title insurance is the same no matter which company you use. What differs is the service — so it pays to choose a reputable agency with experienced underwriters. Ask us for an estimate for your area.

Ask us for an estimate

Protect your investment.

Buying or selling in the Carolinas? We'll make your closing easy — with clear title, great communication, and service available nights and weekends.

Order Title Call 704-467-3031