About
Experience Matters. Since 1992, the principals and staff of EKKO Title have successfully conducted more than 250,000 residential real estate settlements. EKKO Title has assembled a handpicked team of exceptional professionals, widely respected throughout the industry for their experience, knowledge, and dedication to delivering outstanding customer service to clients, Realtors®, and lenders alike.
EKKO Title is one of Northern Virginia’s few locally-owned and independent settlement firms. The company does not participate in affiliated business arrangements, joint ventures, marketing services agreements, or fee-sharing arrangements with real estate brokerages, mortgage companies, or similar entities. The integrity of the transaction is EKKO Title’s only priority.
What is Title Insurance?
Title insurance is purchased at settlement and protects both the new owner and the lender from loss due to prior legal defects in ownership or claims against the property. This one-time premium safeguards the owner from outstanding liens, judgments, or other title issues that may arise.
A common question is, “If the title has been examined, why do I need title insurance?” Even the most thorough title examination may not uncover every defect. Issues such as forged signatures, undisclosed heirs, fraud, incorrect legal descriptions, or improperly recorded documents can jeopardize ownership. Title insurance provides crucial protection against these and other unforeseen risks.
Most lenders require the purchase of a lender’s title insurance policy, which protects only the mortgage company — not the homeowner. As the loan is paid down and equity builds, the owner’s exposure to potential title issues increases. Purchasing an Owner’s Title Insurance Policy protects the homeowner against covered losses up to the full value of the policy.
The Role of the Title Company
- Performing a comprehensive examination of public records to establish accurate ownership and lien history
- Coordinating with all parties to ensure the abstract, survey, pest inspection, taxes, and HOA dues are ordered or updated for settlement
- Satisfying lender and title insurance underwriter requirements prior to settlement
- Preparing the settlement statement, disclosures, affidavits, and related documents
- Conducting settlement, recording legal documents with the court, disbursing funds, and issuing the final title insurance policy
Title Insurance Costs
Owner’s title insurance premiums are determined by the issuing title insurance company. EKKO Title partners with several reputable national insurers and will select the provider and policy type that best fits each transaction. Two types of owner’s title policies are available: standard and enhanced. While the standard policy covers most common title claims, the enhanced policy offers additional protections.
For specific questions regarding policy coverage or the settlement process, contact a local EKKO Title office directly. EKKO Title’s Settlement Cost Calculator is also available at EKKOTitle.com.