Frequently Asked Questions

It protects against ownership defects that existed before you bought the property but weren't discovered in the search — forged documents in the chain of title, undisclosed heirs, recording errors, or liens that were never properly released. If someone challenges your ownership, the policy covers your legal defense and your losses up to the policy amount.

The lender's policy protects only the lender's interest, up to the loan balance. If a title defect surfaces, the lender is made whole and you are not. The owner's policy is the only thing protecting your equity.

When both are purchased at the same time, the owner's policy is typically available at a simultaneous-issue rate — substantially less than buying it later.

For as long as you or your heirs hold an interest in the property. You pay once, at closing.

Because some defects aren't in the record to find. A forged signature from 1987 looks identical to a genuine one. An heir nobody knew about doesn't appear in any index. A clerk's transcription error is invisible until it isn't.

Standard policies generally exclude defects you create after taking title, zoning and building code violations, environmental conditions, matters an accurate survey would disclose unless survey coverage is added, and rights of parties in possession not shown by the record. Endorsements can extend coverage in several of these areas — ask which apply to your transaction.

Typically 30 to 45 days for a financed purchase. Cash transactions can close in as little as two weeks. Complications — curative title work, HOA delays, lender conditions — extend that.

Usually 45 to 90 minutes. Cash purchases are faster; financed purchases involve more documents.

Unexpired government-issued photo ID for everyone on title, certified funds or wire confirmation for your cash to close, proof of homeowner's insurance with the first year paid, and anything we've specifically requested.

Usually. We offer mobile notary and mail-away closings depending on the jurisdiction and whether your lender permits it. Tell us early so we can arrange it.

Everyone who will be on title, or someone holding a properly executed power of attorney. POAs must be approved by us and your lender in advance — don't assume one will be accepted on closing day.

In most transactions, after recording — typically the same day or the next business day. Your agent coordinates the actual handoff.

It's the document showing what the policy will cover and what has to be resolved before closing. Schedule B-I lists requirements that must be satisfied; Schedule B-II lists exceptions the policy won't cover. Read both, and ask us about anything unclear — that's what the commitment period is for.

Lender fees (origination, appraisal, credit), title fees (search, examination, settlement, insurance premiums), recording fees and transfer taxes set by the jurisdiction, and prepaid items such as property taxes, homeowner's insurance, and HOA dues.

It varies by jurisdiction and is negotiable in the contract. Customary splits differ meaningfully between Virginia, Maryland, DC, West Virginia, and North Carolina. We'll give you a specific breakdown for your transaction.

In most residential transactions, yes. Federal law prohibits a seller from requiring you to use a particular title company as a condition of sale in most cases. You can choose Expert Title even if another company was suggested to you.

Yes. Call 540-915-0975 with the property address, price, and jurisdiction and we'll prepare an estimate.

Virginia, Maryland, Washington DC, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

Yes. That's one of the reasons we maintain licensure across five jurisdictions — one team handles the whole thing, and you don't restart the relationship every time a deal crosses a state line.

Send the ratified contract through our order form, email it to processing@experttitlellc.com, or fax it to 540-329-8393. Call 540-915-0975 with any questions.

Same business day for inquiries received during business hours.