Your Manchester Title Insurance Lawyer For A Confident Closing

When you buy a home, you are also buying its entire history. This includes potential problems such as undisclosed liens, old deed errors or claims from previous owners. Title insurance is a policy that you purchase at the time you buy your property that provides property ownership protection from these costly title defects, which as a New Hampshire title insurance lawyer at Craighead & Martin, PLLC, with almost 40 years of real estate experience, Attorney Joanne Craighead can walk you through your policy options and help you close with confidence. She will review the title search and coordinate with underwriters to keep your closing on track.

Understanding How Title Insurance Works

There are generally two main types of title insurance coverage. First, there is the owner’s title insurance policy, a one-time purchase that directly protects your investment and equity. Most owner’s title insurance policies:

• Are optional but highly recommended
• Protect your ownership rights for as long as you or your heirs own the property
• Can cover legal defense costs and reimburse you for financial loss up to the policy amount, if a covered title issue arises after the real estate closing
• Can offer broader protections against issues such as forgery or boundary disputes, depending on whether it is a standard owner’s policy or an enhanced owner’s policy

Second is the lender’s title insurance policy, which your mortgage company will almost always require. The lender’s policy only protects the bank’s loan amount and offers no financial protection for your down payment or equity. Its coverage also decreases as you pay down your mortgage and disappears completely once you pay off the loan.

Common Title Defects To Resolve Before Closing

Before a policy is issued, a thorough search of public records is conducted to uncover potential issues, such as:

• Unreleased mortgages or undisclosed liens.
• Boundary disputes or encroaching structures.
• Gaps in the chain of title or claims from missing heirs.
• Errors in legal descriptions, forged documents, or incomplete probate cases.

Resolving these defects is a vital step in any real estate transaction. As your real estate attorney, Joanne Craighead takes an active role from the moment your purchase agreement is signed. She will personally review your contract, order the title search, and explain the findings in clear, understandable terms.

If defects are found, Joanne outlines the necessary corrective steps and coordinates with title insurers to secure the right policy. Throughout the process, she maintains open communication with lenders and agents to ensure a smooth, timely transaction.

Let A Local Attorney Help You Secure Your Manchester Property

If you are buying or selling property, seek advice from a title insurance lawyer you can trust. Attorney Craighead is ready to listen to your situation and guide you through the closing process. Book your consultation at Craighead & Martin, PLLC, today by calling the firm at 603-795-7308 or by filling out their online form.