Title insurance

Before closing, a title company searches public records for liens, unpaid taxes or ownership disputes. Title insurance covers problems the search missed. The lender’s policy protects the lender; an owner’s policy protects you.

Why it matters

A hidden lien or a mistake in old records can threaten your ownership years later. The policy is paid once, at closing, and lasts as long as you own the home.

Where you meet it

Among your closing costs, on both the Loan Estimate and the Closing Disclosure.