Closing Costs Estimator

Buying a new home is certainly very exciting. However all the hard work really begins in the process of concluding the property purchase. For new home buyers this can be a minefield and it may be useful consulting with a closing costs estimator that will give you honest and expert information. A lot of money can be saved if you do not leave the mortgage institution and realtor to handle all your closing costs so it is useful doing a little research of your own. One area where you could save quite a bit of money is in title insurance.
The purchase of a house is typically the largest financial investment in your life, and it is essential that the entire experience should be as easy and secure as possible. To have valid title deeds is the seller's proof that they are truly the owners and are legally entitled to sell and transfer the property in question. During the sales process an extensive and careful search is made to establish that the selling party has revealed all, if any, easements, liens or mortgages that are pending against the property. To have disputes about or claims the property after it has been bought could be expensive and title insurance must be obtained to ensure peace of mind. Free Title Quote.com gives prospective home buyers the opportunity to obtain this insurance for the very best price. Using a closing costs estimator can help you get an idea of what to expect, and how reduced title insurance can affect the overall cost.
The system of recording titles in the United States is not always entirely accurate although it is being assessed and improvements being put into place. A homeowner's title insurance policy guards against any potential dispute and claim that may not have been disclosed during the title search. Title insurance policies will typically offer coverage up to the amount of the total purchase price of the property. Enlisting the services of Free Title Quote and taking advantage of its resources will provide customers with the relief of the cost and time consumption that they would experience by trying to accomplish the best price for a policy on their own. Consulting a closing costs estimator can give you an idea of how this will affect the bottom line of your purchase.
Free Title Quote cautions property buyers who are looking for title insurance against being intimidated into accepting a title insurance policy that has been arranged without consultation by real estate agents, realtors or brokers. Property buyers don't always comprehend that if they are going to be paying for the insurance they have the right and should at least have the option of choosing the title insurance provider. As with any financial decision, customers should exercise wisdom and consider all quotations very thoroughly before making a final selection of a title insurance policy that meets their requirements. Use a closing costs estimator for a fairly accurate general idea of how much your purchase is going to cost you both at closing, and over time.

Home Title Insurance

While your home is mortgaged it has become compulsory to protect it with home title insurance and this is part of the home closing process. This insurance protects against financial loss in the event that a title dispute should arise and result in your loss of title. Obviously, this have be a significant financial impact on you as without insurance, it could mean loss of your home and your investment in it. Free Title Quote is a company that has built a reputation of being extremely helpful to homeowners looking for the best possible title insurance online.
The home closing process consists of a variety of issues that need to be taken care of before the title deeds change hands. During this process the realtor or agent will handle most of the aspects that ensure the process runs smoothly to its conclusion. They will often also choose home title insurance for you according to their own preference. You as the home buyer have the right by state law in choosing your own home title insurance and by doing so you can save thousands of dollars over the long term. Naturally for this issue it will be just as sensible in investigating which company can provide you expert and prompt service. We are pleased you have discovered Free Title Quote whom will assist you in making the best possible decision on where to take out your home title insurance.
Home title insurance that is left to the agent or realtor can be more expensive because they tend to favor a single insurer, eliminating the insurer's need to be competitive for your business. This means that with a little effort of your own you can get a cheaper rate without compromising on any of the standard benefits. Free Title Quote deal with a network of insurance companies that are one hundred percent reputable. We will provide you with at least five quotes for your home title insurance and you can always speak to expert consultants willing to assist you with this aspect.
It does not matter how much equity you have in your home when you make the purchase. Your home title insurance cover will be estimated at the price for your home at closing. Comprehensive cover of this nature gives you the home owner peace of mind that this important asset is covered to the full extent. There are naturally many other costs that need to be taken care of during the home closing process and your agent or realtor will discuss all of these with you. Doing a bit of research on certain aspects like home title insurance is just one way that you can save money. Free Title Quote will be your first step on how you can save money on home title insurance.

Title Insurnace is Essential

The purchase of a home is probably the largest financial investment of a lifetime and it is essential that the entire process should be as stress-free and secure as possible. To have legal title deeds is the selling homeowners' proof that they are indeed the owners and are legally entitled to sell and transfer the property in question. During the sales process a wide and careful search is made to discover whether the seller has revealed all, if any, easements, liens or mortgages are lodged against the property. To have disputes about or claims against the property once it has been sold could be costly and title insurance should be obtained to ensure peace of mind. Free Title Quote.com provides prospective home buyers with the chance to achieve title insurance for the very best price.
Free Title Quote has a comprehensive network of title insurance companies throughout the country and can ensure the prospective title insurance customers will receive up to five quotations from competing providers in the area in question. These title insurance providers are fully aware that they are rivals for the customer's business and will therefore present the very best possible quote, thus saving the customer a significant sum of money. Free Title Quote assures prospective homeowners that should they join the company it will cost nothing until they receive the first of up to five quotations from companies offering title insurance. With Free Title Quote they will enjoy the benefits of online advertising and experienced marketing strategies.
The system of recording titles in the United States is not always entirely accurate although it is being assessed and improvements being put into place. An owner's title insurance policy guards against any potential dispute and claim that may not have been discovered during the title search. Title insurance policies will normally offer coverage in the amount of the total purchase price of the property. Joining the company of Free Title Quote and utilizing its resources will avail customers of the relief of the stress and time consumption should they consider trying to accomplish the best price for title insurance on their own.
Free Title Quote cautions home buyers needing title insurance against being coerced into accepting a title insurance policy arranged without consultation by realtors, estate agents or mortgage brokers. Purchasers don't always comprehend that as they are going to be paying for the policy they have the right and should at least have the option of choosing a title insurance provider and in fact State Law coincides with this view. As with any insurance policy procurement customers should exercise wisdom and consider all quotations very carefully before making an informed decision regarding a title insurance policy which will exactly answer their requirements.
As Free Title Quote advises the cost of title insurance is relative to the value of the property. The higher the assessed value of the property the more coverage will be required. The premium for title insurance is not large when compared to the overall purchase cost and is normally only paid once at the closing of the sale. The title insurance policy will remain in force for as long as the property is owned by the insured purchaser.

Consumers Enjoy New Access to the Once-Confusing & Closed World of Title Insurance

Consumer-driven web-based service offers up to five free title insurance quotes from the nation's leading title insurance companies.
Tampa, FL (PRWEB) February 12, 2008 -- Like the rest of the real estate industry, the title insurance market is also in a major period of transition.
And in this case, transition is a good thing for consumers.
"The truth is that many home buyers and owners don't or didn't buy their own title insurance," says Josh Cahill, President of FreeTitleQuote.com. "Few actually exercise their right to purchase their own the title insurance because they believe the process is more complicated than it really is. In reality, though, purchasing it themselves can save them a significant amount of money at closing."
This property-saving (and perhaps sanity-saving) insurance has until now traditionally been accessible only through the referrals of mortgage and real estate agents. Before the launch of this website, it would have been nearly impossible to "shop around" for different prices on the title insurance; now, a number of major, reliable title insurers can be accessed through one site, making it a true one-stop title insurance shop.
"Consumers no longer have to be at the mercy of realtors and mortgage brokers," Cahill adds. "Now, all they have to do is go to the site and research the title insurance rates for themselves." And on the flip side, title insurers that become members of the FTQ network will enjoy exposure to countless consumers who never before would have been accessible or even thought of us as potential customers.
"Especially in a down market," Cahill explains, "title insurance companies that join our national network will be receiving title insurance business that simply was unavailable to them in the past."
Ironically, even homeowners who own title insurance are confused as to what it really is, which may be why so many sellers and buyers end up paying too much for it. the Title insurance is meant to protect a lender or owner's financial interest in property against loss due to liens, title defects or a lawsuit attacking the title as it is insured. In short, title insurance protects both lenders and owners against loss that may incur due to disputes over the ownership of a property.
"When buying a home and/or property, it is important to realize that that property has likely gone through a number of ownership changes," Cahill went on to say. There is always the possibility that some title transfers were based on forged signatures and other inconsistencies, which is why the protection of title insurance is so important.
"At FreeTitleQuote.com, we are empowering home buyers to take charge of their buying process. People shop around for car insurance and homeowner's insurance quotes, why shouldn't they find a good deal on title insurance too?"
About FreeTitleQuote.comFreeTitleQuote.com gives customers involved in the home-buying process the ability to request and receive the title insurance quotes from a number of major, reliable title insurance providers and, in the process, save money at closing. For more information or to sign up to receive your customized quotes, visit www.FreeTitleQuote.com.

Florida Title Insurance

If you are looking to invest in a home for yourself or your family then you will more than likely require the assistance of a title company in Florida. Free Title Quote assists home buyers with just this and caters to all other surrounding areas too.
When dealing with a title company in Florida they will make sure that you take ownership and title of the land. Free Title Quote is a website that was created for title insurance companies and property buyers to get in contact with each other. Usually when buying a home or piece of land you allow the mortgage company to decide who insures you but in actual fact it is really your choice and this is the biggest reason to be using this website. Since each one of these title insurance companies want you as their client they will be looking to give you the better price so in the end you will be saving a lot of money. You will usually receive up to five quotes depending on how many companies they have that service your specific area. All that is required of you is to fill out a form online with your personal details and basically state what your title insurance needs are. The great thing about this website is that all of your details are kept confidential and only certain details are given to the title company in Florida so that they are able to contact you regarding their quotes.
The title company in Florida will email the quotes through to you and then it is up to you to make the relevant calls and get the best price. The cost of your insurance will mainly be dependant on the value of your home because if it is worth more then it will require more coverage. You will be protected against the main types of losses which are encumbrances, liens and defects. When applying for title insurance the company has to research your property so that they can make sure that everything is in order and they can go ahead with the rest of the process so they will usually look into things such as court records and deeds. If you are an insurance company that happens to be looking to get their name out there then this website is one of the most effective mediums as it offers you great marketing opportunities and you are only charged once your first quote has been sent to a customer. Has a future home owner it is so important to take every step in making sure that your land and property is secure ad a title company in Florida is one of your best bets in doing this.
Visit www.freetitlequote.com to find a title company in Florida that can offer you a rate that fits comfortably into your budget. Now you don't have to comply to what your insurance company wants, only with what you need.

Closing Costs

Closing Costs – More Ways to Pay

The rising cost of real estate has something of a ripple effect. It extends beyond just the price paid for the house; it can affect closing costs as well. Many of the items in a closing are based on the purchase price of the home, such as realtor’s commission, the amount paid in points, and the price for title insurance. While negotiating for the lowest price is a key step in reducing overall closing costs, negotiating on the finer details can make a significant difference as well.

Comparison Shopping to Save on Closing Costs

In the case of title insurance, many people don’t realize that the industry is just as competitive as any other, and title companies are eager to fight for your business. It’s common for a realtor or broker to put forth a title company as the only option, but in many cases, there are several companies available to you. By effectively pitting these companies against each other, you’ll get the most competitive prices and save on your closing costs.

Home Title Insurance

Home Title Insurance – Protect Your Investment

With so much technological advancement over the past century, it’s a bit of a surprise for many to learn that the system for recording real estate transactions in land records is rather antiquated. In many municipalities, this is still an entirely manual process, which, while accurate in the vast majority of cases, does leave room for error. Even errors which seem minor can lead to headache and a lot of paperwork; more significant title defects can be even more devastating, and could even result in loss of property.

Don’t Settle for Just Any Home Title Insurance

Home title insurance is designed to protect the homeowner from the damages that can result from a defective title. This insurance is purchased at closing, and generally covers the purchase price of the home. Many people choose the title insurance company suggested by their realtor or mortgage broker, often because they are unaware that they even have a choice. In most states, laws stipulate that if a homeowner is paying for the title insurance at closing, they have the right to choose their own provider. This enables homeowners to shop around for the best price on this very valuable insurance. To compare up to 5 quotes from leading insurers in your area, visit www.freetitlequote.com.

FreeTitleQuote.com: Average Closing Costs

No doubt you may have heard many times to always read the fine print of a document before signing anything. This is especially vital when it comes to buying and selling property. There are costs that need to be considered for both buyers and sellers and having an idea of the average closing costs before you even start the proceedings will save you a lot of heartache. There are many ways you can save money on closing costs and with a little research you can find these out. Free Title quote are a great place to start and you can read some information and work out your average closing costs with our calculator as well.

The purchase of a home is usually the most significant financial investment of a lifetime, making it important that the entire experience should be as stress-free and secure as possible. Knowing what the average closing costs are going to be and also ways that you can save money on these are sure to be most satisfying for home buyers.

Free Title Quote has a comprehensive network of title insurers all over the country and can see to it that homebuyers will receive five competitive quotations from leading insurers in the area in question. These title insurance providers are fully aware that they are competing for the policyholder's attention and will therefore provide the very best possible quote, thereby saving the customer quite a bit of money. You can use your final quote and have a better idea of the average closing costs for your property purchase. Free Title Quote assures buyers that if they sign up with the company it will cost nothing. The home buyer can receive up to five competitive quotations from firms that provide title insurance. With Free Title Quote they will enjoy the value of internet advertising and knowledgeable marketing tactics.

The system of recording titles in the United States is not always entirely accurate although it is being assessed and improvements being put into place. A buyer's title insurance policy insures against any future dispute and claim that may not have been discovered during the title search. These policies will typically offer coverage up to the amount of the total purchase price of the property. Enlisting the services of Free Title Quote and taking advantage of its resources will avail customers of the relief of the challenge and hassle that comes from trying to identify the best price for a policy on their own. After you have read information on our website and have a better idea of what your average closing costs can be you will feel far more comfortable mo0ving forward with the property transaction.

Free Title Quote warns home buyers who are looking for title insurance against being coerced into choosing a title insurance policy that has been arranged without consultation by real estate agents, realtors or brokers. Property buyers don't always realize that if they are going to be paying for the insurance they have the right and should at least have the option of choosing their preferred title insurance company. As with any financial decision, buyers should use common sense and review all quotes very thoroughly before making an informed choice of a title insurance policy which will exactly answer their requirements. Avoid a nasty shock before beginning your property purchase by being fully aware if what the average closing costs will be.

Title Insurance Premiums: What are You Paying for Today

If you are in the process of purchasing a new home, one of the issues that you either currently dealing with or will be doing so soon is title insurance. As you go about contemplating title insurance and other issues, you may be wondering exactly what you are paying for when you make the purchase of title insurance.

In theory, when you purchase title insurance you really are paying for two “things.” First, when you purchase title insurance, you are paying to have an independent title insurance performed to identify and deal with (if possible) any encumbrances to the title in question.

Second, when you do make the purchase of title insurance you are also protecting yourself against any defect to the title to the real estate in question that might not be discovered until after you close on a contract to purchase the property. In other words, the title insurance company will indemnify you for any losses that you might end up sustaining as a result of the encumbrance on or defect to the deed i question.

In considering these two primary elements of title insurance, the costs and expenses associated with these risks have not particularly reason over the course of the past fifteen years. However, with that noted, the premium costs for title insurance literally have skyrocketed over that same period of time. As you consider the premium associated with a particular title insurance policy you may have ended up wondering why these costs have risen so dramatically.

What many people do not realize is that title insurance companies and agencies have taken to spending what actually amounts to a somewhat significant amount of money on rewarding real estate agents and brokers, mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers to refer home buyers for the purchase of title insurance. In other words, a portion of a consumer's premium payment is being used to reward other individuals associated with the real estate sales and closing process for referring that consumers to a particular title insurance company (or agency) in the first instance.

Because of this potential relationship, it becomes ever more crucial for a person in the midst of buying a home to do at least a moderate amount of shopping around when it comes to title insurance. A consumer must understand the relationship that can exist between title insurance companies or agencies and individuals and businesses that very well may be associated with your real estate purchase and closing. In other words, it is vital for you to obtain independent information about a particular title insurance company or agency and a particular title insurance policy to make certain that you are obtaining the best deal.

One tool you will want to use in this regard is http://freetitlequote.com/. At this website, you can obtain the information you need in regard to title insurance policies, including free quotes on title insurance. With the help of this site, you will be able to make an informed and intelligent decision regarding title insurance.

Federal Government Deems Title Insurance Too Costly

During the latter part of 2007, the United States Government – through the Accountability Office – spent a great deal of time and energy examining the title insurance industry. Unfortunately, with this close examination was completed, the government determined without a doubt that the title insurance industry had serious problems and defects that were effecting consumers in a negative manner. Most particularly, this in depth governmental examination revealed that the cost of title insurance premiums were far higher than the needed to be in this day and age.

In issuing its important report, the U.S. Government Accountability Office made four specific and very troublesome findings about the title insurance industry:

• There isn’t much competition in the business, suggesting that prices could be too high.

• Local title agents keep up to 90 percent of the premiums paid by homebuyers and refinancers at closing and only about 5 percent is paid out in claims.

• Besides charging what appears to be an inflated amount for the title insurance, many title agents also tack on extra charges for research fees, analysis and a variety of administrative charges.

• Affiliated business arrangements lock out lower-cost competitors and provide incentive for real estate practitioners to steer customers to title companies in which they have a financial stake.

Even though the results of this particular study and report can be considered grim, consumers are not helpless when it comes to title insurance in this day and age. Consumers simply do not have to accept the status quo.

The first step that consumers can take to protect themselves against bad deals and related problems when it comes to title insurance is to educated themselves. In this regard, consumers should make use of a website like http://freetitlequote.com/, a website which provides a vast array of useful resources when it comes to the area of title insurance.

Second, consumers need to take the time to shop around for different premium quotes from different title insurance companies. Long gone are the days when consumers can simply and intelligently accept recommendations from individuals that are involved in a particular real estate transaction. The fact is that real estate agents, real estate brokers, mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers oftentimes have a clearly vested interest in recommending a particular title insurance company. And, that vested interest has nothing to do with the best interests of the consumer in need of title insurance.

With this in mind, a consumer can also utilize the resources at http://freetitlequote.com/ to obtain up to five quotes from different title insurance companies. Moreover, obtaining these quotes will take only a matter of minutes.

Third, when it comes to ensuring that a consumer really does get the best deal on the costs associated with title insurance, it is crucial that the consumer begin looking at different title insurance company and policy options very early on. This is not something that can be rushed and saved for the last minute if a consumer really is intent on getting the best deal when it comes to title insurance.

Title Insurance: What Your Real Estate Broker May Not Tell You ...

If you are on the market for a new home for yourself and your family, you may have elected to engage the services of a real estate broker. Indeed, on many levels, making use of the services of a real estate broker is solid plan of action.

In the end, a qualified real estate broker can provide you with a wide range of assistance and services. A real estate broker can make the whole process of finding the home of your dreams far, far easier. This particularly is the case when you are dealing with a volatile real estate market such as exists today.

However, you need to keep well in mind that there are some limitations as to what you tasks you should rely on your real estate broker to assist you with, to complete. The reality is that no matter how qualified, experienced and helpful your real estate broker may seem to be on so many levels, there is at least one aspect of a real estate transaction concerning which you must not solely rely upon your real estate broker for advice and assistance.

When it comes to finding a title insurance, you simply cannot follow the lead of your real estate broker without first undertaken an independent course of investigation, research and education. While it is not the intent of this post to paint real estate brokers as dishonest when it comes to title insurance, it is hardly uncommon for the typical real estate broker (or agent for that matter) to fail to fully disclose to a consumer the connections he or she may have with a particular title insurance company or title insurance agent.

In this day and age, title insurance companies and title insurance agencies take great pains to cultivate close relationships with real estate agents and real estate brokers. While the code of conduct or professional responsibility for real estate brokers and agents does limit what they can and cannot accept in the way of gifts and renumeration in some instances, the door is fairly wide open as to what title insurance companies and agencies can to today to cultivate the favor of and referrals from these types of real estate professionals. The reality is that in some jurisdictions real estate professionals actually can receive some sort of direct benefit each and every time they refer a consumer to a particular title insurance company or agency.

In the vast majority of cases, home buyers simply do not bother to question a recommendation from a real estate professional about a particular title insurance company. While it is regrettable to have to make such a strong statement, in many instances when it comes to title insurance consumers are led around by their noses by real estate professionals. These home buyers simply do whatever the real estate professional tells them to do.

In the end, this may not be a wise course not in the best interest of a consumer simply because in many cases the real estate professional will have a vested interest in making a referral to a particular title insurance company even if that company does not have the best policy and premium options for the home buyer.

If you desire more information about your title insurance options, and if you want to obtain a reliable title insurance quote, you will want to spend some time at http://freetitlequote.com/.

Insurance Fraud Epidemic Extends to Title Insurance Industry

Insurance fraud has reached epidemic proportions in the United States in this day and age. Indeed, experts estimate that insurance fraud overall costs the typical family in the United States nearly $1,500.00 on an annual basis. Of course, the most common types of insurance fraud involve automobile, health and life insurance. However, in recent times, fraud in the title insurance industry is also becoming a more common problems.

Because fraud is becoming even more commonplace in the title insurance industry, these incidents of criminality are costing consumers seeking this type of coverage more and more money all of the time, with each passing year.

For example, this week in the State of Florida, a remarkable 62 people were arrested in a large scale insurance fraud conspiracy. The men and women arrested in this scheme are believed to have cost consumers millions of dollars. Indeed, one married couple involved in this conspiracy were said to have defrauded consumers of more that $7 million.

There are a number of different types of fraud schemes that are infecting the title insurance industry today. For example, there are fly by night operators that have set up fraudulent entities that are not true title insurance agencies. These sham enterprises entice people to pay over what they believe to be premium payments for title insurance when the money really is not going to obtain such a policy. The sham operators merely pocket the cash and head off into the night.

In a similar vein, there unfortunately are some title insurance agents who actually misappropriate a consumer's premium payment for their own use. In the end, the consumer ends up unprotected without title insurance and the agent ends up converting premium payments for his or her own use.

Understanding that fraud is now infecting the title insurance industry, there are some specific tips that you need to keep in mind when it comes to purchasing title insurance in this day and age.

First, you need to make certain that you connect only with a reputable and reliable title insurance company.

Second, along the same lines, you need to make certain that you utilize only the services of a qualfied, experienced and reputable title insurance agent.

Third, in order to find out all the information you need to identify and then utilize a reputable title insurance company, agency or agent, you will want to utilize the resources to be found at http://freetitlequote.com/. This site can provide for you all of the information that you will need in regard to title insurance, including quotes and price comparisons.

Fourth, your real estate agent or broker can also provide you some basic information about a title insurance company and title insurance agent that can best meet your needs – and that have reputations for reliability, honesty and trustworthiness.

By paying attention to these pointers, you will be able to avoid the trauma that many consumers have faced when it comes to fraudulent practices in the title insurance industry today

Title Insurance Fundamentals for the First Time Home Buyer

If you are on the road towards purchasing a home for the first time, you are heading into one of the most exciting experiences of your life. Despite how thrilling buying your first home can be, there is also serious work to be done. In this regard, once you sign that grand contract for the purchase of your first home, the home of your dreams, you have a long list of tasks that you must accomplish. Included on that list will be the purchase of title insurance.

In regard to the task of finding the best title insurance for the most reasonable premium cost, you actually will want to spend some time shopping around for the best policy. However, before you undertake the process of looking for title insurance, you need to make sure that you do understand the basics of title insurance.

Title insurance actually is somewhat of a rare bird in the insurance industry. Generally speaking, other types of insurance are designed to protect you against future risks. For example, when you purchase health insurance, it is designed to provide you with appropriate coverage for your health and medical needs in the future. Likewise, life insurance is designed to provide benefits to loved ones upon the occasion of the death of an insured at a future date. Title insurance by design protects you against problems that have occurred in the past.

When you make application for title insurance, as part of the underwriting process, the title insurance company (or agent as directed) undertakes a title search. Through the title search, the title insurance company investigates the deed associated with the real estate in question to make sure there are no liens or other encumbrances attached to the deed or title. If these conditions or problems exist, the title insurance company (or agent) will report back to the parties to the real estate transaction. The closing will not be able to occur in most instances until these title defects are cleared up and resolved.

Beyond the closing date, the title insurance company maintains an obligation to the purchaser of real estate (and to that person's heirs in many instances). Into the future, the title insurance company is obliged to protect the insured real estate owner (or mortgage lender) against any losses that may result from an undiscovered defect to the title to the real estate, against losses that might arise from any lien, encumbrance or other defect to the title that might rear its head at a later date.

Claims made on title insurance policies actually are rather rare. The majority of claims involve unpaid property taxes that for one reason or another simply were not discovered by the title insurance company, title insurance agent or anyone else for that matter prior to the closing date. In other words, the majority of claims made on a title insurance policy normally are matters that – once discovered – are fairly easy to rectify.

A primary informational resource about title insurance, including reliable quotes, is .http://freetitlequote.com/

Purchasing Title Insurance: Get Independent Advice

If you have just signed the contract for the purchase of the home of your dreams. Obviously, you do have many loose ends to tie up before you reach the date on which you will close on the contract for sale. One of the items that needs to be on the top of your list during the period of time from the signing of the contract for sale and the closing is the purchase of title insurance. With this in mind, there are a number of factors that you need to bear in mind when it comes to purchasing title insurance in this day and age.

One of the principles that you do need to keep in mind when it comes to buying title insurance in this day and age is the importance of getting independent advice when it comes to this type of coverage. There are a number of reasons why it is important to get independent advice, to undertake independent research when it comes to title insurance.

First, unfortunately most individuals in need of title insurance simply follow the advice of their real estate agent or broker, home mortgage lender or some other professional tied directly to the real estate industry. There professionals nearly always have developed some sort of strategic relationship of partnership with a title insurance company or agency. In short, these professionals have a vested interest in referring you to one particular company.

Second, when it comes to buying title insurance, you cannot fall into the trap of believing that all title insurance policies are the same and that all title insurance premiums cost the same. The reality that there are some significant differences in the premiums charged from one title insurance company to another. However, and again, without seeking independent advice from someone not directly tied to your real estate transaction you will not have access to appropriate information in many instances about different title insurance policy and premium options that are available to you.

Third, understanding that you do not have an unlimited amount of time when it comes to obtaining independent advice or information about title insurance, you will want to take advantage of an online resourced like http://freetitlequote.com/. Through this site you aill be able to obtain information about different title insurance options. You will also be able to obtain accurate quotes from different title insurance. In this way, you will be able to compare policies and compare premium costs in a matter of minutes and with nothing more than a few clicks of your mouse.

In the end, by taking the time to obtain independent information about title insurance from a resource like http://freetitlequote.com/ you will be able to make informed and intelligent decisions about title insurance. Moreover, you will be able to save money on your title insurance premiums costs as well.

The Title Insurance ... Behemoth: Consumers Continue to Overpay for Title Insurance

$16 billion.

When you are confronted with this huge amount of money, what comes to mind? If you think that $16 billion is the amount the Hollywood grosses on major motion pictures each year ... you are incorrect. The reality is that Hollywood flicks are expected to gross about half this amount in the coming year.

The reality is that $16 billion represents the amount of money that consumers in the United States spend on title insurance on an annual basis. The amount people are spending on title insurance actually is expected to climb into the future despite what most experts perceive as a housing slump in many markets that is driving the values of some real estate downward.

The fact is that the cost of title insurance is an expensive item when it comes to the other fees associated with a real estate closing. Of course, the cost of a title insurance premium is connected directly both to the particular real estate market and the value or purchase price of the residence in question. In many locations, it is not beyond imagination for a consumer to pay a couple thousand dollars for a home that is valued in the market's median.

The vast majority of consumers involved in the buying, selling or refinancing of residential real estate (and other types of real estate for that matter) simply do not question the costs associated with title insurance premiums. There is something akin to perhaps what might be called a sheep or even a lemming mentality when it comes to title insurance premiums.

Consumers simply are falling in line with what has always been done when it comes to title insurance and title insurance premiums: they are accepting what is handed to them when it comes to title insurance premiums and fees.

The fact is that in many markets and in many transactions (in the majority of markets and in the majority of transactions), title insurance companies have formed what might best be considered strategic alliances with real estate agents, real estate brokers, mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers and so forth. In short, these relationships prove profitable to these industry professionals who will simply provide a consumer with the name of one title insurance company from which the consumer usually will obtain a policy without question.

What has been an endemic status quo does not have to be maintained in this day and age. It is now very easy for consumers to obtain competitive title insurance quotes through an online resource like http://freetitlequote.com/. Within a matter of a few minutes, a consumer can obtain a number of competitive quotes for title insurance. Thanks to this resource, a consumer can cut the costs associated with a title insurance policy and can obtain precisely the coverage that is necessary for his or her circumstances.

Consumers Enjoy New Access to the Once-Confusing & Closed World of Title Insurance

Tampa, FL – Like the rest of the real estate industry, the title insurance market is also in a major period of transition.

And in this case, transition is a good thing for consumers.

“The truth is that many home buyers and owners don’t or didn’t buy their own title insurance,” says Josh Cahill, President of FreeTitleQuote.com. “Few actually exercise their right to purchase their own title insurance because they believe the process is more complicated than it really is. In reality, though, purchasing it themselves can save them a significant amount of money at closing.”

This property-saving (and perhaps sanity-saving) insurance has until now traditionally been accessible only through the referrals of mortgage and real estate agents. Before the launch of this website, it would have been nearly impossible to “shop around” for different prices on title insurance; now, a number of major, reliable title insurers can be accessed through one site, making it a true one-stop title insurance shop.

“Consumers no longer have to be at the mercy of realtors and mortgage brokers,” Cahill adds. “Now, all they have to do is go to the site and research title insurance rates for themselves.” And on the flip side, title insurers that become members of the FTQ network will enjoy exposure to countless consumers who never before would have been accessible or even thought of us as potential customers.

“Especially in a down market,” Cahill explains, “title insurance companies that join our national network will be receiving title insurance business that simply was unavailable to them in the past.”

Ironically, even homeowners who own title insurance are confused as to what it really is, which may be why so many sellers and buyers end up paying too much for it. Title insurance is meant to protect a lender or owner’s financial interest in property against loss due to liens, title defects or a lawsuit attacking the title as it is insured. In short, title insurance protects both lenders and owners against loss that may incur due to disputes over the ownership of a property.

“When buying a home and/or property, it is important to realize that that property has likely gone through a number of ownership changes,” Cahill went on to say. There is always the possibility that some title transfers were based on forged signatures and other inconsistencies, which is why the protection of title insurance is so important.

“At FreeTitleQuote.com, we are empowering home buyers to take charge of their buying process. People shop around for car insurance and homeowner’s insurance quotes, why shouldn’t they find a good deal on title insurance too?”

About FreeTitleQuote.com:

FreeTitleQuote.com gives customers involved in the home-buying process the ability to request and receive title insurance quotes from a number of major, reliable title insurance providers and, in the process, save money at closing. For more information or to sign up to receive your customized quotes, visit www.FreeTitleQuote.com.

Contact:
Joshua Cahill, President
FreeTitleQuote.com, LLC
1-877-780-8384 Ext. 700

Crucial Tips for Buying Title Insurance

One of the most exciting times in your life is when you are buying a new home. This is true whether you are buying your first home or even a subsequent home purchase a bit later in your life. Of course, no matter how exciting the prospect of owning a new home actually is there is important work that needs to be done. On the top of that list is the purchasing of title insurance. With that in mind, there are some important (indeed, crucial) tips that you should keep in mind when it comes to buying title insurance.

Perhaps the most important pointer to bear in mind when you are in the midst of purchasing a home and are in need of title insurance is to compare prices on the Internet and World Wide Web. The fact is that even when you feel pressed for time as you head towards closing a deal on a new home you can quickly find quotes for title insurance online through a website like http://freetitlequote.com/

Through this particular website you actually will be able to accurately compare the premiums that are being charged by different title insurance companies. You will be able to consider different policies to ascertain which one will make most sense for you and will provide you the coverage you do need at a price that fits within your overall budget.

Along these same lines, the next tip that you will want to keep in mind is that it is vital that you truly do understand what you are buying when it comes to title insurance. In this regard you need to appreciate that there are two general types of title insurance – one kind that protects owners and another that protects lenders. There are some other elements associated with a standard title insurance policy that you will also want to educate yourself about as well. The freetitlequote.com website is an ideal resource for you to obtain more information about both types of title insurance and other matters as well.

Another tip that you will want to bear in mind when it comes to title insurance is that you actually should start looking for title insurance much earlier in the whole home buying process.

If you actually wait until you have signed a contract to purchase a home, you will be feeling the pressure to get many things done related to the closing, including obtaining title insurance. Therefore, you really may not have much time on your hands to shop around for title insurance.

What you really should do is begin shopping around for a title insurance company at the same time you start the process of looking for a home to purchase. By taking this course you will have the best chance of finding the best title insurance for your needs at a price that will be within your own budget.

The LendingTree.com of the Title Insurance Industry

Online title insurance pricing models multiplying Over the past year, several companies have started to utilize Internet search engines that encourage consumers to buy directly and comparison shop for title insurance. Read on to see who’s the latest to try out this marketing strategy. (2/14/2007) The recent downturn in the real estate market has prompted the creation of several Web sites that allow consumers to comparison shop for the lowest title insurance rates. The latest consumer-driven site to start up is FreeTitleQuote.com. The company is owned by Joshua C. Cahill, in Riverview, Fla. "Our goal is to help save home sellers and buyers hundreds to even thousands in title insurance costs," Cahill said. "By accessing FreeTitleQuote.com potential sellers and buyers have the opportunity to connect with title insurance companies across the country, so they can compare prices and save hundreds to even thousands of dollars — while driving more business to those title insurance companies who sign up with us." The Web site, which has more than 450 title insurance companies signed up, has formed in response to market demands brought on by a sluggish housing market, he added, in which home sales are down and more sellers are trying to save on title insurance and other closing-related fees.http://freetitlequote.com, based in Lithia, Fla., offers up to five free title insurance quotes for the consumer at no charge. Cahill said title providers also benefit by signing up with FreeTitleQuote.com, a Web site that advertises on all the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. Doing so means they can potentially receive additional leads. There is no initial sign up fee and the first title lead is free of charge, according to Cahill. As a preferred title insurance provider, it matches the county of the homeowner to the provider's coverage area and sends them the contact information so they can follow up and close the sale, Cahill said. This marketing avenue has attracted other title companies utilizing Internet search engines that encourage consumers to shop directly for their title insurance. The two most prominent sites launched in 2006 are Titleinsurance.com and Gettitleinsurance.com. The Title Report first reported on the concept in the July 10 edition in an article titled “The advent of online title insurance pricing models.” Joe Drum, chief executive officer of United General Title Insurance Co., said at the time that the two new Web sites may inspire rapid acceptance of the technology. He noted that there’s always a bell curve to the adoption of any technology and speculated that often when adoption reaches 20 percent, the other 80 percent fall in line fairly quickly. Joan Rosenstock, president of Titleinsurance.com, said the company now has more than 300 title insurance providers and is currently looking to expand into other real-estate related services that its title insurance provider clients offer, such as 1031 exchanges. Titleinsurance.com is also looking to form exclusive partnerships with some of its clients on a statewide and multi-statewide basis, Rosenstock said. One of the most common points of negative feedback from the Web site’s users in our original story was the company’s restriction of participating title providers to five per county. Titleinsurance.com still operates by that business model, but Rosenstock said more clients have come to view it as a positive. “First and foremost, for those title providers that are one of the providers, they are competing with a manageable number of other companies,” Rosenstock said. “For the inquirer, they are receiving a manageable number of responses to compare.” Titleinsurance.com’s main competitor, Gettitleinsurance.com, also has plans for expansion, said Jennifer Richter, a PR rep for the company. With more than 200 registered title professionals, the company is moving away from a ZIP code-based system to a multi-package structure, providing three pricing packages at the county, state and regional levels, which are all fully customizable. In addition, the company is exploring the possibility of integrating directly with their providers’ production systems, allowing the company to pass consumer information on directly to the system when a consumer accepts a quote. Other players with similar business models have entered the market. Susan Ramalah, co-partner with David O’Connor of EasyTitleQuote.com, says her company works with about 150 title companies nationally, with the majority of business coming from the eastern states. Title companies pay a monthly fee of $24.95 if they want to do work located near their office. The charge is $99 to cover an entire state. Ramalah says her company charges a flat subscription fee from the title insurance companies to avoid any RESPA concerns. Ramallah said she saw a need for the company after noticing a change in the market, that nobody could move any houses and that there was a lot of competition. “This company would not have worked last year because those companies would have been too busy to give a quote,” said Ramallah, who is a licensed real estate agent and mortgage broker. “They would have already had six jobs to work on. Now, they have to be competitive to win over that customer. The slow market is the reason for the business.”

Interview with The Title Report

Joshua Cahill’s first job in the settlement services industry was as a title insurance recording clerk and receptionist. Nominated by a few professionals, Joshua has been described as a young professional who has shown a lot of foresight in starting FreeTitleQuote.com, a network of title companies who can offer their rates directly to consumers. “Josh is the quintessential young entrepreneur,” said nominator Edward Conrad, Esq., with Dye, Deitrich, Prather, Petruff & St. Paul, P.L. “He has an admirable drive for success and an extraordinary knowledge of the real estate and title insurance industries. I’ve been able to witness him build an expansively successful company in Florida, but he’s already expanding outside the state. This tenacity, with sound corporate forethought, deserves the attention of his peers and the interested public at large.”

Why did you become a title insurance professional?

I’ve grown up in the title insurance industry from a very early age, working side by side with my mother.

What about your job gives you the most satisfaction?

• I find enjoyment in helping others close on the home of their dreams. I also enjoy creating new concepts which enables the consumer to make wiser choices when deciding on the title insurance company that is best for them.

What challenge really jazzes you?

• Creating a goal and then tackling that goal head first.

What is the best advice you could give?

• Life can and will throw many curve balls your way. It is up to you to make the best of any given situation and to find hidden opportunities.
  

What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

• Developing FreeTitleQuote.com, in order to help consumers price out competitive title insurance quotes nationwide.
  

To what do you attribute your success?

• My mother has been my guiding light in life. She has helped empower me with the determination, knowledge, and strength it takes to become a successful professional in this industry.
  

If you could have lunch with any person living or historical, who would it be and why?

• I would have to say, Alexander the Great, because he was symbolic of the strength of the Roman Empire, and united much of the world at that time.
  

What is something unique about you that not many people know about?

• I am an architecture aficionado. I enjoy photographing cityscapes and skylines.
  

What is your favorite book or movie?

• Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
  

What are you listening to right now on your iPod?

• Artist: John Mayer, Album: “Waiting on the world to change”
  

What’s the most fulfilling thing you have been involved in within your community and why?

• After, Katrina struck, helping the hurricane survivors by passing out food and supplies. It was fulfilling to help others in need at a very tragic time in our country’s history.

The Title Report's Top 40 Under 40

Top 40 awards reveal wealth of energy, innovation, compassion Joshua Cahill was undaunted by the maxim that title companies don’t market to consumers. After all, it is also a maxim that some people look at the way things are and ask, “Why?” and others look at the way things could be and ask, “Why not?” When Cahill decided to launch FreeTitleQuote.com, a network of title companies who can offer their rates directly to consumers, he had clearly graduated to asking the “why not” question. At 22, Cahill is the youngest winner of the October Research Corp.’s Top 40 Under 40 award, and a standout among the settlement services industry’s rising young stars. “Josh is the quintessential young entrepreneur,” said nominator Edward Conrad, with Dye, Deitrich, Prather, Petruff & St. Paul, P.L. “He has an admirable drive for success and an extraordinary knowledge of the real estate and title insurance industries. I’ve been able to witness him build an expansively successful company in Florida, but he’s already expanding outside the state. This tenacity, with sound corporate forethought, deserves the attention of his peers.” It was just that kind of energy and creativity that October Research was looking for when it sent out a bid for nominations for its newly launched awards program for outstanding settlement services professionals under the age of 40 this past December. “We were just awed by the talent, imagination and drive across the spectrum of professions, and from every part of the country, as the nominations poured in,” said Syndie Eardly, October Research editorial director, in making the announcement. “It was a challenge to select our final 40, and we look forward to launching this again in December for 2008. Judging by the nominations that came in, we know that we have just scratched the surface of the truly wonderful talent that exists in the settlement services industry across the country.” The nominations truly represented every corner of the nation. Janelle Keller, a 23-year-old title officer/examiner, started working for Alaska-based Alyeska Title Guaranty Agency Inc. when she was 18 and just last year helped open a branch office for the company. “Janelle learned every job possible in the title department,” said nominator Beth Knight, title manager for Alyeska. “I have been in the field for 25 years and only have seen one other such talented title officer so young. She can handle any complex commercial order, section land order and is our highest producer in title. She is one of the foundations of customer service and success that this company rose from.” The awards program was conducted through October Research’s print and online news services for the settlement services industry including The Title Report, The Legal Description, Valuation Review and Real Estate Technology News.

FreeTitleQuote.com Launches Competitive Online National Title Insurance Provider Network

A recent downturn in the real estate market has prompted the creation of http://www.freetitlequote.com/, a consumer driven Web site for competitive pricing of title insurance. Our goal is to help save home sellers and buyers hundreds to even thousands in title insurance costs, said Joshua C. Cahill, owner and creator of FreeTitleQuote.com. By accessing FreeTitleQuote.com potential sellers and buyers have the opportunity to connect with title insurance companies across the country, so they can compare prices and save hundreds to even thousands of dollars -- while driving more business to those title insurance companies who sign up with us.The Web site has formed in response to market demands brought on by a sluggish housing market, he added, in which home sales are down and more sellers are trying to save on title insurance and other closing-related fees. http://www.freetitlequote.com/ offers up to five free title insurance quotes for the consumer at absolutely no charge. There is no cost to join and, by shopping around for a title insurance company, home purchasers will save thousands of dollars. Title providers also benefit by signing up with FreeTitleQuote.com a Web site that advertises on all the major search engines such as Google, Yahoo and MSN. Doing so means they receive scads of additional leads. There is no initial sign up fee and the first title lead is absolutely free of charge. Thousands of homeowners are online each day searching for competitive title insurance quotes. FreeTitleQuote.com connects reliable title insurance companies with these homeowners. The Web site already sends out hundreds of quotes each day. As a preferred title insurance provider, it matches the county of the homeowner to the provider'ss coverage area and sends them the contact information immediately so they can follow up and close the sale. To learn more or to sign up, visit http://www.freetitlequote.com/. About FreeTitleQuote.com:Joshua C. Cahill, decided to start up FreeTitleQuote.com because he believes the consumer has the right to price out competitive title insurance rates. The company is based in Lithia, Florida, and launched on January 22, 2007 It has already signed up more than 450 title insurance providers and typically issues hundreds of quotes each day. Media contact:Name: Joshua C. CahillPosition: Presidenthttp://www.freetitlequote.com/Phone #: 1-877-780-8384 Ext: 702