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Why Title Insurance Matters — Especially in Today’s Real Estate Market

  • Writer: Eric M. Gibson
    Eric M. Gibson
  • Jun 19
  • 2 min read

Whether you're buying your first home or selling a property you’ve owned for years, there’s one critical piece of the real estate puzzle that often gets overlooked: title insurance.

You may have heard the term at closing or seen it buried in paperwork, but do you really know what it is—or why it matters, especially in a fluctuating market like the one we’re seeing today in Pennsylvania?

Let’s break it down.

What Is Title Insurance, Really?

At its core, title insurance protects your ownership rights to a property. When you buy a home, you’re not just buying the building—you’re buying its history too. That includes any legal claims, liens, or errors tied to the property.

Some common issues title insurance can protect against include:

  • Unpaid property taxes or liens

  • Clerical errors in public records

  • Forged documents or fraudulent transfers

  • Unknown heirs who suddenly surface

  • Easements or restrictions that weren’t disclosed

Unlike most insurance policies that protect you against future events, title insurance protects you from problems rooted in the past—things that may not come up until after the sale is complete.

Why It’s So Important Right Now

In a volatile real estate market, things move fast. Properties change hands quickly. Foreclosures and distressed sales are more common. And with all that activity, it’s easier for things to slip through the cracks.

Even the most experienced title search professionals can’t always catch every issue—some simply aren’t discoverable in public records. That’s where title insurance steps in, offering peace of mind that you’re covered if something unexpected turns up later.

For Buyers: Protect Your Investment

Buying a home is a huge milestone—and a major financial commitment. Title insurance helps protect that investment by ensuring that:

  • You actually own the property free and clear

  • You’re covered for legal fees if a dispute arises

  • You avoid costly surprises after closing

  • Your ownership can’t be challenged due to a past issue

And the best part? It’s a one-time premium that protects you for as long as you own the property.

For Sellers: Clean Title = Smooth Sale

Even if you're on the selling side, title insurance (or more accurately, a clean, insurable title) helps your deal go through without delays or legal headaches.

Buyers—and their lenders—expect a title free of surprises. Providing that helps you:

  • Close faster

  • Avoid disputes after the sale

  • Build trust and transparency in the transaction

How It Works in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, title insurance is highly regulated. Rates are consistent statewide, and policies are issued by licensed title agents or attorneys. When you close, a title search is performed and insurance is issued at the same time. It’s a streamlined process, and once it’s done, you’re covered.

The Bottom Line

Title insurance isn’t just a box to check during closing—it’s a critical layer of protection. In a market that’s anything but predictable, it’s one of the smartest ways to protect yourself, your rights, and your real estate investment.

Whether you're buying or selling, make sure title insurance is part of your strategy.

Have questions about how title insurance works in Pennsylvania or what it covers? We’re here to help. Reach out today to learn more.

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©2025 BY THE REAL ESTATE TRANSFER COMPANY, LLC | Eric M. Gibson, Esq.; Anne M. Gibson, Esq. and Anthony J. Fitzgibbons, Esq.

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