Buying real estate is one of the most significant financial decisions you can make. Title insurance plays a key role in protecting that investment. It helps safeguard your ownership rights against unexpected legal issues tied to the property’s history.
When working with Peter S. Buas, a real estate attorney practicing with Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP, clients receive attorney-led title services designed to provide clarity, confidence, and peace of mind throughout the settlement process.
Title insurance protects you from legal fees and financial losses if problems are found with a property’s title.Unlike other types of insurance, title insurance involves a one-time premium paid at closing, with coverage lasting as long as you or your heirs own the property.. These issues may not be discovered during a standard title search and can surface months or even years after closing.
Common title issues include:
Many buyers are familiar with lender’s title insurance because it is required when financing a purchase. However, it’s important to understand the difference between the two types of coverage.
Lender’s Title Insurance: – Required by mortgage lenders – Protects the lender’s interest in the property – Does not protect the buyer
Owner’s Title Insurance: – Protects the buyer’s ownership rights – Covers certain legal fees and losses from covered title defects – Remains in effect for as long as the owner or their heirs hold title
While owner’s title insurance is not required by Maryland law, it is often recommended as an added layer of protection, particularly in transactions involving older properties, estate transfers, or multiple prior owners.
A thorough title examination is key for effective title insurance. As part of the settlement process, Peter S. Buas oversees a detailed review of the property’s public records to confirm:
Attorney oversight helps ensure that issues are identified early and addressed properly before settlement.
You can learn more about this process on the Real Estate Settlements page.
Properties in Worcester County and Ocean City often have unique ownership histories. Common local risk factors include:
Even with a careful title examination, some risks can’t be fully eliminated without more in-depth review. Title insurance helps provide additional reassurance when unexpected issues arise.
Buyers may choose to decline owner’s title insurance, but doing so means assuming responsibility for certain future title-related risks. This can include legal expenses or financial losses if a covered defect later affects ownership.
Discussing these considerations with an experienced real estate attorney allows buyers to make informed decisions based on their individual circumstances.
How the title is held can have long-term implications. Ownership structure may affect future estate administration, probate exposure, and asset distribution.
Common forms of title include:
Peter S. Buas regularly advises clients on title vesting decisions to ensure consistency with broader estate planning goals. Additional information is available on the Estate Planning page.
In a typical real estate transaction, a title company plays an important role in helping buyers, sellers, and lenders move from contract to closing. Title companies are generally responsible for coordinating settlement-related tasks and helping ensure that ownership of the property can be transferred properly.
Common services provided by a title company include:
These services are designed to facilitate a smooth real estate transaction and reduce the risk of title-related issues after settlement.
In Maryland, many of the services commonly associated with a title company can also be provided through an attorney-led real estate settlement. Peter S. Buas, a real estate attorney practicing with Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, LLP, provides services similar to those of a title company while also offering legal guidance throughout the real estate process.
When assisting with a real estate transaction, Peter S. Buas is able to:
Because these services are provided within an attorney-client relationship, clients may also receive guidance on matters such as title vesting, estate planning considerations, and resolving unexpected legal issues that arise during the transaction.
Title insurance and title examination are important components of managing legal and financial risk in real estate transactions. Whether services are provided by a traditional title company or through an attorney-led settlement, the goal is to help ensure that ownership is transferred accurately and efficiently.
If you are buying or selling property in Ocean City, Worcester County, or elsewhere on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, you may benefit from discussing title services and insurance options with Peter S. Buas.
