Title insurance insures against financial loss from defects in title, liens or other matters. It protects both purchaser and lender against loss. Usually, during a purchase transaction the lender requests a policy (commonly referred to as the Lender’s Policy) while the buyer receive their own policy (commonly referred to as Owner’s Policy). But if this is your first home, you may wonder, “Why do I need another insurance policy?”

The answer is simple: The purchase of a home is likely going to be one of the most expensive and important purchases you will ever make. You and your mortgage lender want to make sure the property is indeed yours and that no individual or government entity has any right, lien, claim or encumbrance to your property.

Title insurance companies function is to make sure your rights and interests to the property are clear, that transfer of title take place efficiently and correctly and that your interests as a homebuyer are protected. Title insurance companies provide services to buyers, sellers, real estate developers, and builders, mortgage lenders and others who have an interest in real estate transfer. Title companies issue two types of policies—”Owners Policy” which covers the homebuyer; and “Lenders Policy” which covers the bank, savings and loan or other lending institution over the life of a loan. Both are issued at the time of purchase for a one-time premium.

The title company conducts an extensive search of public records to determine if anyone other than you has an interest in the property before issuing a policy. The search may be performed by title company personnel using either public records or more likely, information gathered, reorganized and indexed in the company’s title “plant”.

With such a thorough examination of records, title problems can usually be found and cleared up prior to purchase of the property. Once a title policy is issued, if for some reason any claim, which is covered under your title policy, is ever filed against your property, the title company will pay the legal fee involved in defense of your rights as well as any covered loss arising from a valid claim. That protection, which is in effect as long as you or your heirs own the property, is yours for a one-time premium paid at the time of purchase.

The title company works to eliminate risks before they develop. This makes the title insurance different from other types of insurance. Most forms of insurance assume risks by providing financial protection through a pooling of risks for losses arising from unforeseen events, like fire, theft or accident. The purpose of title insurance, on the other hand, is to eliminate risks and prevent losses caused by defects in title that happened in the past. Risks are examined and mitigated before property changes hands.

Eliminating risk has benefits to both you, the home buyer, as well as the title company. It reduces the chance adverse claims might be raised, and by doing so reduces the number of claims that have to be defended or satisfied. This keeps costs down for the title company and your title premiums low. With title insurance you are assured that any valid claim against your property will be taken on by the company, and that the odds of a claim being filed is slim.

An owners title insurance policy will protect you against these hidden risks that are not disclosed by public record.

• Fraud & Forgery
• Mental Incompetence of Grantors
• Identical Name Confusion
• Unsatisfied Claims not recorded in Public Records
• Clerical Errors
• Incorrect Legal Description
• Restrictive Covenant Violations
• Encroachments
• Undisclosed Easements
• Deeds recorded improperly
• Undisclosed or Missing Heirs
• Incorrect Representation of Marital Status
• Wills not Properly Probated

We invite you to view our one minute video in our series titled “A Moment With Magnolia” where Chelsea Herring answers this very popular question in a visual, easy to follow format.  Click the Video Blog link in our menu choices above.    

Florida’s title insurance premium is based on a promulgated rate calculation, which is determined by the state of Florida. Florida’s title insurance premium is also determined based on the purchase price as follows:

• Purchase Prices up to $100,000: $5.75 per thousand.
• Purchase Prices Over $100,000: $5.00 per thousand

This does not include other fees associated with a real estate closing such as doc stamps, closing or settlement fees, endorsement fees, title search fees, etc.  

For a specific quote please feel free to reach out to us or click the blue “Quick Quote” below.

The seller often pays for the owner’s title insurance policy and usually selects the title company, while the buyer is generally responsible for the lender’s title insurance policy if financing is involved. However, these costs can always be negotiated between the buyer and seller during the transaction.

Title insurance helps protect homeowners and lenders from potential title issues such as unpaid liens, ownership disputes, recording errors, or unknown claims against the property. At closing, Magnolia Closing Co will perform a thorough title search to help ensure the property can be transferred with clear ownership.

If you are buying or selling a home in Florida and have questions about title insurance costs, closing costs, or the closing process, our team is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Some of the most common closing delays include financing problems, appraisal issues, title defects, inspection concerns, missing documents, survey discrepancies, unresolved liens, or delays in obtaining insurance and HOA information. In competitive markets, last-minute underwriting conditions or incomplete paperwork can also push back the closing date.

Magnolia Closing Co will help keep the transaction on track by coordinating with buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders throughout the closing process. Performing a thorough title search early, maintaining clear communication, and resolving potential issues quickly are key to avoiding delays and ensuring a smooth closing experience. If you are buying or selling property in Florida, working with an experienced title company can help make your closing as efficient and stress-free as possible.

Yes — in Florida, you can choose your own title company in most real estate transactions. While it is common for the seller to select the title company in many parts of Florida, the buyer, seller, or even the lender can propose or negotiate the choice of title company as part of the purchase contract.

Choosing your own title company gives you the opportunity to work with a provider you trust to handle the closing process, issue title insurance, and ensure a smooth and secure transfer of ownership. A reputable Florida title company will perform a thorough title search, coordinate with all parties, manage escrow funds, and help protect you from potential title issues such as liens, ownership disputes, or recording errors.

If you are buying or selling a home in Florida, it’s always a good idea to understand your options and select a title company that is responsive, experienced, and focused on protecting your interests throughout the transaction.

In Florida, the closing timeline can vary depending on the type of transaction, financing, and how quickly all parties can complete the required steps. On average, a financed home purchase typically takes around 30 to 45 days to close, since it involves lender underwriting, appraisal, inspections, and document review.

However, with a smooth and well-coordinated transaction, timelines can move much faster. Cash purchases can often close in as little as 2 weeks, since they do not require lender approval or underwriting. Financed transactions can also be expedited and may close in as little as 4 weeks when all documentation is in order, the appraisal is completed quickly, and there are no title or inspection delays.

Working with an experienced Florida title company helps keep the process on track by coordinating with all parties, resolving title issues early, and ensuring all closing documents are prepared efficiently. Clear communication and preparation are key to achieving a fast, smooth closing in any Florida real estate transaction.

A title search is a detailed examination of public records to verify the legal ownership of a property and to identify any issues that could affect the transfer of title. In Florida, a title company conducts this search before closing to review documents such as deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, easements, and any other recorded claims against the property.

The purpose of a title search is to ensure the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and that the buyer will receive a clear title. It helps uncover potential problems such as outstanding liens, ownership disputes, errors in public records, or restrictions that could impact the property’s use or value.

A thorough title search is one of the most important steps in the closing process because it protects both buyers and lenders from unexpected legal or financial issues after closing. By resolving any title concerns in advance, Magnolia helps ensure a smooth, secure, and successful real estate transaction.

Yes — in Florida, many real estate transactions can be completed remotely or online, depending on the lender, the type of transaction, and how comfortable the buyer or seller is with digital or remote processes.

Some closings can be handled through a fully digital workflow, where documents are signed electronically when permitted, and funds are wired securely. In other cases, especially when wet signatures are required, we can coordinate mobile notary services to meet buyers or sellers at a location of their choice — including out of state or even out of the country when needed.

We also offer Remote Online Notarization (RON) closings with certified RON closers, allowing eligible parties to complete the entire signing process virtually through a secure, video-based platform. This option is especially helpful for clients who are traveling, relocating, or simply prefer a more convenient closing experience.

Whether in-person, mobile, or fully remote, our goal is to provide a smooth and secure closing process that fits the needs of every client and transaction.

Protecting yourself from wire fraud during a real estate closing is extremely important, especially since scammers often target buyers and sellers during the final stages of a transaction.

To stay safe, always remember that wire instructions should never be accepted solely by email. At our title company, we strongly encourage all clients to verify wiring instructions directly by calling our office using a known, trusted phone number before sending any funds. We will always confirm instructions verbally and guide you through the process step-by-step if anything seems unclear.

We also provide a secure client communication platform through Qualia, which is used for all official closing updates, document sharing, and transaction communication. This helps reduce the risk of fraudulent emails or unauthorized changes to instructions.

If you ever feel confused, pressured, or unsure about any part of your transaction, contact our office immediately before taking any action. It is always better to double-check than to risk sending funds incorrectly.

Our goal is to make every closing not only smooth and efficient, but also secure and protected from fraud at every stage of the process.