Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Why do you need title insurance?

Title Insurance is a contract of indemnity between the insured and a title company. The form of the contract is determined by the Texas Department of Insurance. Likewise, title insurance rates in Texas are promulgated by the Department and are uniform for all title companies.

There are two major types of policy. The Owner’s Policy of Title Insurance is issued to an owner / purchaser and insures against certain listed title risks. The Mortgagee Policy of Title Insurance is issued to a lender and insures the validity of the lender’s lien against the property.

Before issuing a title policy, a careful search is made of the county, state and federal records affecting real estate. This is accomplished by using the company abstract plant which maintains references to every deed, mortgage, death, divorce, etc. These instruments are examined by lay examiners employed by the title company. Based upon the results of the examination, the title company decides whether to issue a policy.

Some of the risks that exist which a title policy may protect against include the following: forgeries, false representations, mistakes at law, undisclosed heirs, illegal trusts, delinquent taxes, fraud, lost wills, mistakes in legal descriptions, clerical mistakes, defective acknowledgements on documents and platting discrepancies.

In most cases, it is customary that the seller of the property pay for the Owner's Policy, but this is sometimes a matter of negotiation and in many instances is paid for or partially paid for by the buyer. The premium for the Owner's Policy is based on the sales price. The borrower is responsible for paying for a Mortgagee's Policy, which is based on the amount of the loan.

The title insurance company also acts as an escrow agent between the seller, buyer and lender and has responsibilities to all parties for fair dealing. The title insurance company receives the buyer's money as well as all other documentation required for the transaction. When all requirements of the contract and the lender are satisfied, the transaction is "closed".


2. Explaining Your Texas TLTA Title Commitment

Please see our Sample A, B, and, C Schedules.


3. What is the closing process and do you have Hispanic assistance?

Diagram of First American Closing Process
Spanish         English

A printable step by step Diagram, outlining the Closing procedure from the signing of the contract until all funds are disbursed is included here. A wonderful resource for your customers to help explain how the title company interacts with the mortgage company to make the closing a succes

You can also find a very helpful description here.


4. What is the HUD-1?

You can find a sample of the newly revised HUD-1 here.


5. How long does it take to get title work?

Due to our volume of work and dedication to efficiency, we have rush desks designated solely for our office. Therefore, 90% percent of our title commitments are returned within three days of the initial order.  When you receive the title commitment, you will also receive the tax certificate, wiring instructions, and insured closing protection letter [if applicable].

6. What are our fees?

Our Flat Fees

National Fees- Please call for Quote.

Please click here for Texas Title Insurance Premium Rates. (effective February 1, 2007). Rates are subject to change per P-24 statute

We provide title insurance for all 254 counties in Texas. All title work can be returned online or by fax.