What is title insurance?
Title insurance is an insurance policy that protects property owners and lenders from past events that could negatively affect the new owner, such as liens, encumbrances or defects in the property's title.
What protection does title insurance provide?
It protects against claims from past owners or defects in title, many of which are unforeseeable even with the most detailed title search, including fraud, forgery, another person claiming ownership, unrecorded or improperly recorded documents, and liens and judgments.
Do I need title insurance?
If you're getting a loan, your lender will require a lender's policy. An owner's policy protects you: if a covered claim is made against your ownership, title insurance pays the cost of defending it, subject to the policy's terms.
How much does title insurance cost?
The premium depends on the purchase price, and rates are set by the State of Florida. It's a one-time charge paid at closing, and coverage lasts as long as you own the property.
Does the buyer or the seller pay for title insurance?
It varies by county. In most Florida counties the seller pays and chooses the title company, but in Broward, Miami-Dade, Collier and Sarasota it's customary for the buyer to pay and choose. It can be negotiated in the contract.
How long does a closing take?
Most financed purchases close in 30 to 45 days and cash purchases can close faster. Association estoppels, lender conditions and title issues are the usual drivers of timing.
Can I close remotely?
Yes. We offer mobile notary signings, mail-away closings and remote online notarization where the lender allows it.
Will you ever email me new wire instructions?
No. Butler Title will never email or text you new or changed wire instructions. Always call us at a phone number you know is ours before sending money.
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