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Read the title commitment and survey before you close

Updated

Your title commitment describes the proposed insurance and its exceptions. It lists requirements that must be met before the policy is issued. A survey shows boundaries and other matters within its scope. Review both for the home you intend to buy. Texas regulates title-insurance rates; your contract allocates payment for the policy and survey.

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01

What does title insurance cover?

Title insurance covers specified financial losses from ownership defects under the issued policy. An owner's policy protects you as the insured owner. A loan policy protects your lender. Homeowners insurance handles property damage under a separate policy.

  • A $500,000 purchase with an owner's policy for that amount still has specific coverage terms. Read the exceptions before assuming a later dispute will be covered.
  • Texas regulates title-policy premiums. Other settlement charges can differ, so ask for an itemized title-company quote.
  • Read the commitment before closing. A listed easement may affect a pool or addition you have planned. Resolve that use question before the relevant objection deadline.

02

What do I look for in the commitment?

Check the proposed insured name and policy amount. Review the listed ownership and requirements for issuing the policy. Then read the exceptions to see which matters will be outside the coverage.

  • Raise a name or lien problem promptly. Ask the title company about any probate, entity or payoff requirement that remains open.
  • Compare easements and restrictions with how you plan to use the property. Ask about anything that affects access or planned improvements.
  • Have the title professional explain an unfamiliar item. Get appropriate legal advice when a title question needs interpretation or is disputed.

03

Will I need a new survey?

Ask whether the existing survey satisfies your contract and the lender's requirements. Have the title company confirm whether it can accept it. A change to the property may mean you need a new survey.

  • Check whether a fence or addition was built after the survey. Compare other improvements with the drawing too.
  • Review boundary lines and any encroachments. Check easements before planning a change to the property.
  • Read the contract to confirm who orders the survey and who pays. Track its delivery and review deadlines.

04

How do I verify my wire instructions?

Call the title company using a contact you verified independently. A compromised email can look like an ordinary message from your agent or closing team. Confirm the instructions before sending any money.

  • Use an established title-company number you obtained separately. Treat a number supplied only in a wire email as unverified.
  • Confirm the receiving institution, account and amount directly. Ask the title company to walk you through its verification process.
  • Report a suspected change immediately through your established contact. Pause the transfer while the title company checks it.

Primary sources

Where can I read the original sources?

Use this guide to prepare your questions. Your signed contract and lender disclosures govern the purchase terms. Read the title documents and insurance policy for their requirements. Ask the appropriate licensed professional about a question that needs individual advice.

  1. TDI title insurance FAQ
  2. CFPB closing scam prevention

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Jeremy Parten

Designated Broker · Mayshore Realty

Dallas–Fort Worth sellers, buyers and agents
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Frequently asked questions

What is title insurance, and do I need an owner's title policy?

An owner's policy can protect you against specified covered title defects. Your lender's policy protects the lender's interest instead. Read the proposed policy and title commitment with the title company. Check exceptions and exclusions before deciding what coverage you want. A disputed ownership issue may require legal review in addition to the insurance discussion.

How do I verify wire instructions and protect my closing funds from wire fraud?

Call your title company using an independently established number before you wire funds. Verify the receiving institution and account details directly. Ask the team to confirm its procedure for any change. Treat new instructions as unverified until you complete that check. If an urgent email changes the destination, pause and contact your established title representative.