Our Services
Title & Escrow Services in Jefferson County, Washington
Services
Real Estate Closings
Why do I need Title Insurance?
Owning real estate is one of the most precious values of freedom in this country. Get the assurance that the property you are buying will be yours. Other than your mortgage holder, no one else should have any claims or restrictions against your home. Under our system of law, it’s entirely possible for someone to claim an interest in real estate you think is yours. Even if you defend successfully in court, there are legal fees and costs to be paid. If your defense fails, your real estate ownership will be threatened and you could suffer serious financial loss. When you buy a home, you should expect clear title to the real estate. If your land title is clouded by claims, possible hazards and other problems, the security of your ownership will be in jeopardy. For protection against these and other types of land title difficulties, rely on Clallam Title Company. Our experts search and examine public records to locate trouble in advance-so problems can be cleared up whenever possible and transactions can be completed.
Title Insurance Solutions
How does title insurance differ from other types of insurance?
Title insurance is different from other types of insurance in that it protects you, the insured, from a loss that may occur from matters or faults from the past. Other types of insurance such as auto, life or health cover you against losses that may occur in the future. Title insurance does not protect against any future faults.
Another difference is that you pay a one-time premium. A title insurance policy will protect you from risks or undiscovered interests.
There are two principal forms of title insurance:
1. The lender’s policy
2. The homeowner’s policy
What is a lender’s policy?
A Lender’s policy protects the mortgage holder. If there is a fault in title that results in a loss, the mortgage holder will be paid back.
What is a homeowner’s policy?
A homeowner’s policy protects you, the purchaser, against a loss that may occur from fault in your ownership or interest you have in the property. You should protect the equity in your new home with a title policy.
How long does my coverage last?
Once purchased, title insurance remains in effect for as long as you own your property. Title insurance adds security and peace of mind to homeownership.
How do I obtain title insurance and what does it cost?
Let the Title Company, attorney or agent handling the closing of your property know that you want to purchase an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy. When choosing a title insurer, look for a company with experience, as well as the financial strength to protect you.
In most states, the insurance commission or some other governmental body controls the premiums for title insurance policies. You only pay the premium once. The cost depends upon the purchase price of the property, and your policy amount must be equal to the purchase price.
Escrow Services
What is Escrow?
An escrow is a deposit of funds, a deed or other instrument by one party for the delivery to another party upon completion of a specific condition or event. It is an independent neutral account by which the interests of all parties to the transaction are protected. When opening an escrow, the buyer and seller of a piece of property establish terms and conditions for the transfer of ownership of that property. These terms and conditions are given to a third, impartial party known as the escrow holder. The escrow holder has the responsibility of seeing that the terms are carried out. The escrow is a “storehouse” for all monies, instructions and documents necessary for the sale of your home. This includes the buyer providing funds for a down payment, and the seller depositing the deed and any other necessary papers.
Why Do I Need an Escrow?
An escrow will provide you with a guarantee that no funds or property will change hands until ALL of the terms and conditions have been followed. The escrow holder has the responsibility to watch over the funds and/or documents and then pay out the funds and/or transfer the title only when all requirements of the escrow have been completed.
How does the Escrow Process Work?
The buyer, seller, lender and/or borrower cause escrow instructions to be created, signed and delivered to the escrow officer. The escrow officer will then process the escrow, in accordance with the escrow instructions. When all conditions required in the escrow are met, the escrow is “closed”.
The escrow holder acts for both parties and protects the interests of each within the power of the escrow instructions. Escrow cannot be completed until the instructions have been fully satisfied and all parties have signed escrow documents. The escrow holder takes instructions based on the terms of the purchase agreement and the lender’s requirements.
How Do I Open an Escrow?
Generally, the buyer or seller’s real estate agent will open the escrow. As soon as you complete the purchase agreement, the agent will place the buyer’s initial deposit, if any, into the escrow account at a title company or into the real estate broker’s account.
What Do I Need to Do Before My Appointment to Sign Escrow Papers?
All parties signing the documents must bring proper identification. Bring either, a valid driver’s license, state identification card or current passport with you to the title company. This item is needed to verify your identity by a notary public. This is a routine, but necessary step for your protection.
What’s the Next Step After I’ve signed the Closing Escrow Papers?
After both parties have signed all the necessary instructions and documents, the escrow officer will return the buyer’s loan documents to the lender for final review. After the review is completed, the lender is ready to fund the buyer’s loan and informs the escrow officer.
Every Second Counts
In a real estate transaction, time is an important asset. That is why we work hard to deliver on time – every time.
Happy Home Buyers & Sellers
When a real estate transaction closes without issue, everyone is happy! Let us show you a better closing experience.
Backed By An Experienced Team
There is no replacement for time and experience. Let our staff of knowledable real estate professionals guide you.
Discover a smooth closing.
Call us to get started with your real estate closing.
Contact
Head Office
P.O. Box 598
2424 South Park Ave.
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Call Us
(360) 385-1322
EMAIL US
info@fatcojc.com