Title Insurance in Pennsylvania
What
exactly is it, and why do I need it? A few examples are the most
effective approach to illustrate title insurance. Let's say you purchase a home that's
50 years old and during that time the house was sold to a number of
buyers. Back in 1955 Mr. and Mrs. Smith purchased the house and a few
years later, Mrs. Smith ran off and joined the French Foreign Legion
without telling Mr. Smith. During that time Mr. Smith remarried and
Mr. Smith and the new Mrs. Smith sold the house to Mr. and Mrs. Jones.
The Jones lived there for a number of years and one day, the original
Mrs. Smith showed up at their door after retiring from the Foreign Legion
and told the Jones' that she never signed the deed over to them
and that she was still the rightful owner.
What if the property taxes were not paid back in 1955 and the tax collector
is right behind Mrs. Smith demanding payment . . . with interest? Title
insurance and the addons, called endorsements guarantee that past problems
will not become your problem.
How much does title insurance cost in Pennsylvania?
Title insurance is regulated by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commission.
The cost is based on the sales price or mortgage amount, whichever is
higher and is set by the State of Pennsylvania.
Most lenders will require you to have title insurance. After all,
if there's a problem and you walk away from the home, they have
the "title issue".
You are not required to obtain title insurance if you are paying cash
for the property, but, like any other insurance, it's there in case
you need it.
The mortgage company usually arranges this and is usually provided by
the settlement (title insurance) company.
And remember, no matter who provides you with the policy, the rates
are always the same from company to company because the State of Pennsylvania
sets the rates.
How much is it? Use the
Pennsylvania title insurance calculator to estimate the title insurance
premium.
Frequently Asked Questions About Title Insurance in PA
Q. How is title insurance paid?
A. Title insurance is paid at closing/settlement
Q. Is title insurance part of closing-costs?
A. Yes
Q. Who pays for title insurance in Pennsylvania?
A. Typically, the home-buyer pays the cost of the title insurance policy,
however, the policy may be paid by the seller