FAQ | Liberty Title & Escrow Partners in Miami, FL

Q: What is title insurance?

It protects you against claims on your property, covering legal fees and losses if someone challenges your ownership. We handle everything and explain your coverage clearly.

Q: What are closing costs?

Closing costs include title insurance, recording fees, and other charges. Use our calculator to estimate yours for your specific property and loan type.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance protects you against claims and defects tied to a property's past, such as liens, forgery, fraud, recording errors, easements, or someone else claiming ownership. Unlike car or health insurance that covers future events, title insurance covers issues that already occurred in the property's history. It's a one-time premium paid at closing that protects you for as long as you own the home.

Why do I need title insurance?

Your home is likely one of the largest investments you'll ever make. Even a thorough title search can't always reveal hidden problems, like an unrecorded deed, an unknown heir, or an old lien, that may surface months or years after closing. Title insurance protects you from the financial loss and legal costs of resolving those issues. It gives you peace of mind that your ownership is secure.

What's the difference between an owner's and a lender's policy?

A lender's policy protects the priority of your lender's security interest in the property and is typically required when you take out a mortgage. An owner's policy protects you, the homeowner, against title-related claims to your ownership. While the lender's policy is required for financed purchases, an owner's policy is your best safeguard, and we always recommend it.

Who pays for title insurance in Florida?

It depends on the county and can be negotiated in your contract. In most Florida counties, the seller customarily pays for the owner's title insurance policy and chooses the closing company. In a handful of counties, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Sarasota, and Collier, the buyer customarily pays and chooses. We'll walk you through what applies to your specific transaction.

What is escrow?

Escrow is the process where a neutral third party, like our title company, holds the funds and documents for a transaction until all the conditions of the sale are met. It protects both buyer and seller by making sure money and property don't change hands until everything in the contract has been satisfied. When all conditions are met, the escrow "closes".

What does a title company actually do?

We act as the central coordinator of your closing. That includes running the title search, issuing title insurance, holding escrow funds, preparing and recording closing documents, paying off any liens, and disbursing funds. We bring buyers, sellers, lenders, realtors, and third parties like surveyors together so the transaction closes smoothly.

What is a title search?

A title search is a review of public records to confirm the seller has the legal right to transfer the property and to uncover anything that could affect your ownership, such as liens, easements, judgments, or encumbrances. It's how we verify the title is clean before you close.

How long does closing take?

Most closings take 7 to 10 business days from the time we receive your order, though some close faster depending on the lender and title search results. We provide a 24 to 48 hour turnaround on title commitments. We move quickly without cutting corners, and we keep you informed at every step.

What happens at the closing?

At closing, the buyer completes payment through the escrow agent and takes legal ownership of the property, while the seller receives the proceeds less any agreed expenses. Documents like the deed are signed and recorded, funds are disbursed, and keys are typically exchanged. A standard closing usually takes about an hour.

What are closing costs?

Closing costs include title insurance, recording fees, settlement and title search fees, documentary stamp taxes, and other charges. Buyers and sellers each have their own customary costs, often determined by the contract. Use our calculator to estimate yours for your specific property and loan type, with no hidden fees or surprises.

What should I bring to closing?

Generally, you'll need a valid government-issued photo ID and your funds for closing (typically by wire). Depending on your situation, you may also need documents like a divorce decree or specific items requested in your agreement. We'll send you a clear checklist ahead of time so nothing causes a delay.

If I'm buying a brand-new home, do I still need title insurance?

Yes, it's still strongly advisable. New construction can carry hidden risks, such as unpaid contractor or mechanic's liens, or ownership questions about the land the home was built on. An owner's policy protects you against these even on a brand-new property.

Do you handle commercial closings?

Yes. We close investment properties, SBA loans, and REO transactions, and our team understands the added complexity of commercial real estate in Miami. We handle the details with the same precision and communication we bring to residential closings.

Can you close in Spanish?

Yes. We provide fluent bilingual support in English and Spanish throughout your entire transaction, so nothing gets lost in translation.

Do you only close in Florida?

No. While we're based in Miami, we close in all 50 states with mobile notaries available nationwide, plus easy, hassle-free email closings for cash buyers. Wherever your transaction is, we can help.

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