What is a title search?  A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. These records include deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. The purpose of the search is to verify the seller's right to transfer ownership, and to discover any claims, defects and other rights or burdens on the property.

What kinds of problems can a title search reveal?  A title search can show a number of title defects and liens, as well as other encumbrances and restrictions. Among these are unpaid taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller and restrictions limiting the use of the land

What is title insurance?  Title insurance is your policy of protection against loss if any of these problems—even a “hidden hazard”—results in a claim against your ownership. How does title insurance protect my investment if a claim should arise?  If a claim is made against your property, title insurance will, in accordance with the terms of your policy, assure you of a legal defense—and pay all court costs and related fees. Also, if the claim proves valid, you will be reimbursed for your actual loss up to the face amount of the policy.

How much does title insurance cost?  Probably a lot less than you think. Charges vary in different sections of the country, but generally the cost of title insurance (including search, examination and related services) amounts to about one percent or less of the cost of the property. And unlike other insurance premiums, which must be paid annually, a title insurance premium is paid one time only, usually at settlement.

What Title Insurance Protects Against: Here are some of the most common HIDDEN RISKS that can cause a loss of title or create an encumbrance on title:

• Forged deeds, mortgages, satisfactions or releases of mortgages, and other instruments.
• Impersonation of the true owners of the land by fraudulent persons.
• Outstanding prescriptive rights not of record and not disclosed.
• Undisclosed or missing heirs.
• Liens from unpaid estate, inheritance, income, and gift taxes.
• Defective acknowledgment due to lack of authority of notary. (Acknowledgment taken before commission or after expiration of commission.)
• Descriptions apparently but not actually adequate.
• Deed from bigamous couple - prior existing marriage in another jurisdiction.
• Mistake in recording legal documents. (For example, incorrect indexing or errors and omissions in transcribing, and failure to preserve original instruments.)
• Special assessments where they became lien upon passage of resolution and before recordation or commencement of improvements for which assessed.
• Recorded easement, but erroneous ancient location of pipe or sewer line which does not follow route of granted easement.
• Undisclosed divorce of spouse who conveys as sole heir of deceased consort.
• Deed from record owner of land where he has sold property to another purchaser on unrecorded land contract and the purchaser has taken possession of premises.
• Tax titles invalid because of irregularity of proceeding, reversal of court decisions, or lack of decisions on points of law.
• Fraud, duress or coercion in securing essential signatures.
• Deeds by persons of unsound mind.
• Invalid, suppressed, undisclosed, and erroneous interpretation of wills.

A One-Time Investment When you purchase a Title Insurance Policy, you pay a single, one time fee. Yet, the policy remains effective until the property is sold. Title Insurance premiums are based on the contact price of your home. The rates are set by the Insurance Department of the State of Florida and are the lowest rates allowed by law. Check out our Rates page for more information.

Our Function.  The role and function of title and escrow services is to make sure that your real estate closing goes smoothly. Here are some of the details covered under Isler & Associates Title Inc. title and escrow services:

• Act as your escrow agent so your money is handled safely and professionally
• Serve as your depositor for all your funds and distribute your funds at real estate closing
• Review your title and clear any title defects
• Insure that you are getting a title that is "free and clear" at your real estate closing
• Calculate any prorations for your taxes and/or Homeowner Association assessments
• Payoff any back liens on your property
• Conduct a smooth-prompt-professional real estate closing
• Sit down with you and fully explain any documents you are unsure of
• Sit down with you and make sure you feel comfortable and fully answer any questions you may have
• Record your documents for you
• Issue your title insurance policy
• Be your trouble shooter who finds potential problems and gets them solved
• Be a friend to you who is an expert in this field who guides you with impartial advise so you only make the best possible decisions

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