Buying Step 7: The Title Search and Finalize Your Financing
Do a Title Search
After signing your contract, your lenders closing attorney will do a title search on the property. Most title records are kept at local courthouses and the Registry of Deeds and detail real estate ownership (sometimes over hundreds of years) in the local community.
These records are important because they provide proof that the owner has valid, marketable and insurable title to the property they are selling. Equally important, such records enable buyers to provide proof of ownership when they in turn sell the property.
Title insurance is necessary to protect the lender, because even though the history of property ownership has been checked, it's possible that the records contain errors, unrecorded claims or flaws in the review itself. Title insurance is paid at closing. There is also and additional policy that you can obtain to protect your interests and this is highly recommended.
Finalize Your Financing
Often, the cost of real estate financing is greater than the original purchase price of a home (after including interest and closing costs).
Now that you’re offer has been accepted and there is valid title to the property you are purchasing, it is time to finalize your preapproved financing. Your mortgage broker or REALTOR® or loan officer can help you select the mortgage option that is best for you.