ALAMOGORDO TITLE COMPANY

505-437-2741

Alamogordo Title Company, through its underwriters, provides title insurance services to real estate buyers and sellers, builders and developers, lenders, brokers, Realtors and many others who have an interest in the title to real estate. These parties are concerned that their rights and interests in the title to real property are clear at the time the property is purchased, that the transfer is handled correctly, and that their interests in the title to the real property are safeguarded to the maximum extent possible. Title insurance is the application of the principles of insurance to risks which are present in all real estate transactions.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance is insurance against loss resulting from defects or failure of title to a specifically described parcel of real property.

Why do I need title insurance?

Title insurance protects you, the purchaser or owner, against a loss that may arise by reason of a defect in your ownership or an interest you have in real property. Title insurance protects against future losses arising out of events that have happened in the past.

In addition, the title insurance company agrees to defend you in court if there is an attack on your title. It will cover attorney and court expenses or pay a loss caused by a defect in title up to the face amount of the policy subject to the terms listed in your policy.

If title risks are eliminated by a title search, why do I still need a policy after a title search is complete?

There are numerous defects or problems that can arise to cause an attack on or loss of the title to your property. Some of these include hidden defects not found by even the most careful search of the public records (the title search). Hidden risks can cause a total loss of your investment or heavy legal expenses in the defense of an attack on the title.

Some title problems may show up months or years after the original purchase of the property. A few examples of matters that can cause loss of or an attack on a title are:

• Forged deeds, wills or other legal documents
• Undisclosed or missing heirs
• Deeds from minors, aliens or persons of unsound mind
• Failure to comply with the law
• Errors in indexing of public records or mistakes in recording legal documents
• Liens for unpaid taxes, including estate, inheritance or gift taxes
• Coverage against such "hidden defects" is provided to the insured by the title insurance policy.
  

What types of policies are available to me as a homeowner?

For the average property owner, there are two difference types of title insurance policies that you need to be aware of:

• Owner's Title Insurance Policy
• Mortgagee's Title Insurance Policy

Since most property owners mortgage or borrow money at the time of purchase or during ownership, the lender can be expected to request protection of its investment against loss. Lenders know that many things can cause loss of title or that expenses are incurred while defending an attack. They insist upon a Mortgagee's Title Insurance Policy to protect their stockholders' and investors' investment in your property.

An Owner's Title Insurance Policy protects your investment (equity) as the buyer or owner of the property. As the owner, you should want to have the same assurance as the lender that the investment you have made cannot be lost because of a problem or defect with the title.