Title Insurance and Escrow Explained for Buyers

By David Parks · eXp Realty · The Apollo Group · 2 min read

The Short Answer

Title insurance protects you against problems with a property’s ownership history, like unknown liens or errors. Escrow is the neutral process that holds money and documents until everything is ready to close.

Title Insurance and Escrow Explained for Buyers
Stock photo: Pexels

What a title company does

It researches public records to confirm who owns the property and whether any claims exist. It issues a title commitment, which lists requirements and exceptions, and later the title policy.

Types of coverage

An owner’s policy protects you, and a lender’s policy protects the lender. Both are typically one-time premiums paid at closing.

Quick Poll

Where are you in the buying process?

What escrow means

The title or escrow company holds earnest money, collects funds and signed documents, and distributes money and records the deed once conditions are met.

What to review

Tips

Ask questions early if anything in the commitment surprises you. Your agent and title officer can explain items, and an attorney can help with legal issues.

Key Takeaways
  • What a title company does: It researches public records to confirm who owns the property and whether any claims exist.
  • Types of coverage: An owner’s policy protects you, and a lender’s policy protects the lender.
  • What escrow means: The title or escrow company holds earnest money, collects funds and signed documents, and distributes money and records the deed once conditions are met.
  • What to review: Read the title commitment and exceptions.

This article is general information, not legal, tax, financial or inspection advice. Every home and situation is different, so confirm details with a licensed inspector, lender, attorney or tax professional.

David Parks
About David Parks

David is a Greater Denver real estate advisor with eXp Realty and The Apollo Group (Colorado broker license FA100103211). He has closed more than $55 million in volume, earned eXp Icon status in 2025, and holds a 5.0 rating on Zillow from 27 verified reviews.

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