At The Closing Table
Why choosing the right title insurance company matters to homebuyers
The American Dream has long been defined through the pride and stability of home ownership, but buying — especially for first-timers — can seem daunting. By working seamlessly with realtors, lenders, and everyone else involved in the homebuying process, the professionals at Heritage Title Company of Austin are passionate about making the road to that dream as smooth as possible.
But what exactly does a title company do? Among other things, it provides title insurance, which makes sure that the transfer of ownership on a property from one person or entity to another is "clear" and "accomplished." Some title problems that might pop up during the homebuying process include outstanding property taxes, claims against property made by unknown heirs, and fraud and forgery found in deeds.
Think of it this way: Car insurance protects you from future damages and needs to be renewed every year, while title insurance protects you from prior damages and is a one-time charge.
When it comes to shopping around for title insurance, the process might be a little different than you expect. All title companies, large or small, charge the same price for title insurance, as premiums are regulated by the Texas Department of Insurance. It's based on the home's sales price. So with money out of the equation, title companies are left to compete through their experience, knowledge, and work ethic.
In today's modern world, that also includes protecting clients (and their money) from cybercrime. Heritage Title has invested a tremendous amount of time and resources in this area, achieving the highest certification available to title firms, SSAE-16 — one of only two title companies in Texas to have this designation.
For more than three decades, the locally owned and operated Heritage Title has been committed to providing the best possible service while also giving back, not just financially but also actively, to the place it calls home. Its three centrally located offices mean that the next time you decide to buy or sell real estate, you'll be certain to have someone you trust congratulating you at the closing table.
