When buying a home in Westchester County, one of the many line items at closing is title insurance. It’s not as exciting as new countertops or an open-concept kitchen, but it’s one of the most important parts of a safe and secure real estate transaction. Whether you’re purchasing a home for sale in Chappaqua or investing in another Westchester property, title insurance protects your ownership rights from hidden risks that could surface long after the closing.
What Is Title Insurance?
Title insurance is a one-time purchase that protects both the buyer and the lender from financial losses due to defects or disputes in the property’s title. In other words, it ensures that when you buy a house, you’re getting clear ownership—free of claims, liens, or legal challenges.
Unlike other types of insurance that protect you from future events, title insurance protects you from past issues that could affect your ownership today. These issues could include:
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Clerical or filing errors in public records
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Unknown heirs claiming ownership
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Unpaid property taxes or contractor liens
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Forged or fraudulent deeds
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Boundary disputes or survey errors
How Does Title Insurance Work?
Before closing, a title company performs an in-depth title search to uncover any potential issues with the property. Once that search is complete and any known problems are resolved, title insurance is issued.
There are typically two types of title insurance policies:
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Lender’s Policy – Required by most mortgage lenders. It protects the lender’s interest in the property until the loan is paid off.
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Owner’s Policy – Optional, but highly recommended. It protects the buyer’s ownership rights for as long as they own the property.
Why Homebuyers in Westchester Should Care
Westchester’s rich history means that many properties have changed hands multiple times over decades—or even centuries. With that history comes a higher chance of title defects. Whether you’re purchasing a newly built property or one of Chappaqua’s charming older homes, title insurance adds an essential layer of protection.
Imagine discovering after closing that a previous owner never paid a property tax bill, or that an old contractor lien was never released. Without title insurance, those issues could become your responsibility—costing thousands in legal fees or back payments. With a title policy, you’re protected.
How Much Does Title Insurance Cost?
Title insurance is a one-time premium paid at closing. The cost is typically based on the home’s purchase price and the amount of the mortgage. For most Westchester Real Estate transactions, the peace of mind it provides far outweighs the cost—especially considering it protects you for as long as you own your home.
Do I Really Need It If I Pay Cash?
Even if you’re buying your home outright, without a mortgage, an owner’s title policy is still smart. A title issue could still arise years later, and without insurance, you’d have to handle it on your own. Protecting one of your largest investments with a relatively small one-time payment is simply good sense.
Final Thoughts
Buying a home in Westchester County is one of life’s biggest milestones. Title insurance helps ensure that the dream of homeownership doesn’t turn into a legal nightmare down the road. By securing title insurance, you’re safeguarding your right to own—and enjoy—your property without unexpected surprises.
