Why an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy Is Essential for Vermont Home Buyers
Owner’s title insurance is a one-time purchase that protects your legal ownership of the property for as long as you hold an interest in it. It covers unexpected issues that may arise with your home’s title—issues that might not have been discovered during the title search.
• Undisclosed or missing heirs who claim ownership after the sale
• Errors or omissions in past deeds or public records
• Forged documents or fraudulent transfers in the chain of title
• Unknown liens, including unpaid taxes or contractor bills
• Boundary or access disputes not revealed in surveys
Even with the most thorough title search conducted by experienced Vermont real estate attorneys and title professionals, some risks remain hidden. Owner’s title insurance gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.
Lender’s Title Insurance is Not Protection for You
Only an owner’s policy ensures that you, as the buyer, are protected
Why It's Especially Important in Vermont
Vermont’s real estate system is unique. Unlike many other states that use centralized title plants or guarantee title through the state, Vermont relies on local land records in separate towns and cities. Each municipality maintains its own handwritten or scanned land records, some dating back centuries.
This decentralized system increases the chance of undetected title issues. Having a local real estate law firm like Peet Law Group—who understands the intricacies of Vermont’s land records—is essential. Still, even the most diligent title review can’t eliminate every risk. Owner’s title insurance fills that gap.
One-Time Cost, Lifetime Coverage
Owner’s title insurance is a one-time premium paid at closing, based on the home’s purchase price. In return, you receive lifetime coverage.
Considering the potential legal costs and risks of an uncovered title issue, the cost of an owner’s policy is a small price to pay for long-term protection.
Let Peet Law Group Help You Close with Confidence
At Peet Law Group, we help Vermont home buyers navigate every step of the real estate closing process—from title search and contract review to issuing title insurance and final settlement. We work with title insurance underwriters to provide owner’s policies tailored to your transaction.
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