If you’re helping clients buy or sell a high-end residence in Greater Hartford, title insurance is important in protecting your client’s investment and supporting a successful transaction. It protects your client’s investment and helps prevent delays or complications in the deal. In other words, awareness of the title process can help avoid delays, disputes and even litigation.
Title insurance protects buyers and sellers from hidden liens, past claims and filing errors that could delay or ruin the sale of your home.
Know your role in the title process
While you don’t conduct the title search yourself, your role is still important. You may know about past issues with a property or have insight into prior ownership. Take the lead and encourage clients to begin the title review early, especially for older or high-value properties.
Spot common title risks in premium homes
Luxury properties often carry a longer or more complicated history. That increases the chance that the estate has title defects. In areas like West Hartford, Avon and Glastonbury, the most common issues include:
- Old easements: Utility or access rights that still affect the land
- Unreleased mortgages: Paid-off loans that still appear in the property’s official title history
- Boundary disputes: Unclear or conflicting property lines
- Estate transfers: Inherited homes with incomplete paperwork
- Zoning violations: Renovations done without proper approval from the local zoning authority
These problems may seem minor early on, but they can stall a sale if not properly addressed. Even with title insurance in place, these issues may take time to clear. Having legal representation makes sure that your client’s policy is structured to provide maximum protection in case defects are discovered after closing the sale.
Start the title review early
Having a clean title when negotiating for a sale speeds up the closing of the deal. For sellers, a preliminary title check can help them spot problems early. For buyers, on the other hand, reviewing the title commitment as soon as it’s available helps avoid surprises. Minor mistakes, like a wrong legal description, can hold up the deal.
Once the title review begins, it’s important to know who to rely on for guidance and problem-solving.
Work with title agencies and attorneys
You should stay in regular contact with the title company throughout the titling and closing process. If problems come up, a real estate attorney can help resolve them quickly. Attorneys can negotiate lien releases, fix recording errors and handle disputes that a title company cannot do.
Unlike title agents, lawyers are licensed to interpret legal documents, resolve ownership disputes, and represent clients if litigation arises. Their role is especially critical in high-value transactions where title complications can mean substantial financial exposure.
Know when legal help is needed
Some issues require more than title company support. If the problem involves ownership claims, probate complications or legal filings, you need to consult a lawyer to begin addressing the issues immediately. Connecticut has strict real estate laws, and delays can cost you clients time and money.