Clark County Title Company

  • Home
  • About Us
    • Staff
    • Affiliated Companies
    • Privacy Policy
  • Services
    • Escrow
    • Title Insurance
    • Customer Services
  • FAQ
  • Order
    • Order Title Insurance
    • Order Customer Service
  • Helpful Links
    • Clark County Property Info
    • Clark County Online Maps
    • Washington State LPO Forms
    • Regional & Governmental Helpful Links
    • Careers
  • Fee Quote
  • Contact Us
  • COVID-19 Plan

FAQ

What is a title?
  • A title is the foundation of property ownership. It is the owner’s right to possess and use the property.

What is title insurance?
  • Title insurance is your policy of protection against “hidden hazards” – resulting in a claim against your ownership.

What is title search?
  • A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. These records include deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. The purpose of the search is to verify the seller’s right to transfer ownership, and to discover any claims, defects and other rights or burdens on the property.

Why is transferring the title to real estate different from transferring the title of other items, such as a car?
  • Because land is permanent and can have many owners over the years. Various rights in land (such as mineral, air or utility rights) may have been acquired by others by the time you come into possession of it, even if the land has never before been built upon. So in order to transfer a clear title to a piece of land, it is first necessary to determine whether any rights are outstanding.

What kind of problems can a title search reveal?
  • A title search can show a number of title defects and liens, as well as other encumbrances and restrictions. Among these are unpaid taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller and restrictions limiting the use of the land.

Are there any problems that a title search cannot reveal?
  • Yes. There are some “hidden hazards” that even the most diligent title search may never reveal. For instance, the previous owner could have incorrectly stated his or her marital status, resulting in a possible claim by a legal spouse. Other “hidden hazards” include fraud and forgery, defective deeds, mental incompetence, confusion due to similar or identical names and clerical errors in the records. These defects can arise after you have purchased your home and can jeopardize your right to ownership.

How much could I lose if a claim is filed against my property?
  • That depends on the claim. In an extreme case, you could lose your entire home and property, and still be liable to pay off the balance of your mortgage. Most claims are not that dramatic, but even the smallest claim can cost you time, money and aggravation, and you may have to pay costs for a legal defense.

How does title insurance protect my investment if a claim should arise?
  • If a claim is made against your property, title insurance will, in accordance with the terms of your policy, assure you of a legal defense, and pay all court costs and related fees. Also, if the claim proves valid, you will be reimbursed for you actual loss up to the face amount of the policy.

The owner of the property has a deed. Isn’t that proof of ownership?
  • Not necessarily. A deed is just a document by which the right of ownership in land is transferred, whatever that right may be. It is not proof of ownership, and it does not do away with rights others may have in the property. In addition, a deed will not show you liens or claims that may be outstanding against the title.

The owner of the property I want to purchase has lived in the home for only six months. He had a title search done six months ago. Why do I need it again when I purchase the land from him?
  • Because the owner could, in a very short time, do many things to encumber the title. For example, he could grant easements or construct improvements that encroach on adjacent property. It is necessary to conduct an up-to-date title search to uncover any such problems.

If the builder of my home already has title insurance on the property, why do I need it again when I purchase the land from him?
  • A title policy insuring the builder does not protect you. Also, a great many things could have happened to the land since the builder’s policy was issued. Liens, judgments and unpaid taxes for which prior owners were responsible may be disclosed after you purchase the property, causing you aggravation and costing you money.

What is the difference between an Owner’s Policy and a Loan Policy?
  • The seller provides an owner’s title insurance policy, which is evidence to the buyer that there is a marketable title to the subject property. If there are problems with the title, a title search reveals them and permits resolution of the problem prior to closing. The buyer provides the title insurance loan policy, which protects the lender’s security interest in the property and assures the lender of first lien position.

How long does my coverage last?
  • For as long as you or your heirs retain and interest in the property and, in some cases, even beyond.

Is there a tax to sell my home?
  • Yes. Washington State imposes and excise tax upon each sale of ‘real property’ (real estate) under RCW 82.45.060. The tax is collected by the county treasurer at the time of recording any real property transfer of ownership. The state collects 1.28% and Clark County collects .5%, equaling a total of 1.78% of the sale of transfer of ownership of real property.

Wouldn’t an abstract show property limitations and restrictions?
  • Maybe – and maybe not. An abstract is a history of the property title as revealed by the public records. Abstracts may contain errors and do not disclose “hidden hazards” that can threaten your property title if you do not have a title insurance policy.

What about an attorney’s opinion?
  • An attorney’s opinion is based on a search of the public records. So once again, even the most exhaustive search of these records may not reveal everything. Unlike a title insurance company, an attorney is not liable if you should suffer loss because of “hidden hazards” in the title.

How much does title insurance cost?
  • Probably a lot less than you think. Charges vary in different sections of the country, but generally the cost of title insurance (including search, examination and related services) amounts to about one percent or less of the cost of the property. Unlike other insurance premiums, which must be paid annually, a title insurance premium is paid one time only, usually at settlement.

This page is intended for informational purposes only. Your title insurance policy contains terms and conditions that may limit or restrict coverage. Consult your attorney for specific advice regarding your legal rights, and consult your real estate professional when selling or purchasing a home.

Service is the Difference

At Clark County Title, we're ready to help you with all of your title and escrow needs. Please click on a link below to order services:

Customer Service
Title Order

 

Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Click here to subscribe!
For Email Marketing you can trust.

Downtown Branch

1400 Washington St., Ste 100
Vancouver WA 98660
Click here for directions.
Phone: (360) 694-4722
Fax: (360) 694-4734

To login into Title Pro 24/7, please enter your username and password below, or call Kellie Jo at 360-903-7527 to sign up:

User Account: * Password:

[footer_backtotop]

Copyright 2016 KLR Design · Log in