Question 1

What is title insurance?

Accepted Answer

Title insurance protects homebuyers and lenders from financial losses due to defects in a property's title, such as liens, back taxes, or ownership disputes discovered after purchase.

Question 2

Do I need title insurance in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Lenders require a lender's title insurance policy for financed purchases. An owner's title insurance policy is optional but strongly recommended to protect your investment.

Question 3

Who pays for title insurance in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

In Indiana, the seller traditionally pays for the owner's title insurance policy. The buyer pays for the lender's policy if financing is involved.

Question 4

Who pays for title insurance in Ohio?

Accepted Answer

In Ohio, the buyer typically pays for both the owner's and lender's title insurance policies, unlike Indiana where the seller pays for the owner's policy.

Question 5

How much does title insurance cost in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Title insurance premiums in Indiana are regulated by the state and typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on the purchase price. Empire Title can provide a Quick Quote for your specific transaction.

Question 6

What happens at a real estate closing?

Accepted Answer

At closing, all parties (or their representatives) sign the legal documents transferring property ownership. The title company coordinates the signing, collects and disburses funds, pays off existing mortgages, and submits the new deed and mortgage for recording in the public record.

Question 7

How long does a closing take?

Accepted Answer

Most residential closings take 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on the transaction type. Cash closings are typically faster than financed purchases. Empire Title schedules adequate time so you never feel rushed.

Question 8

What do I bring to closing?

Accepted Answer

Buyers should bring a government-issued photo ID, a cashier's check or proof of wire transfer for any remaining funds due, and any documents requested by the lender. Sellers should bring a photo ID and keys. Empire Title will provide a closing disclosure in advance listing any amounts required.

Question 9

Can I close remotely (RON) in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Indiana has authorized Remote Online Notarization (RON), allowing certain documents to be signed digitally with a remote notary. Empire Title can discuss RON options for transactions where all parties qualify. Not all lenders accept RON closings, so this is coordinated case-by-case.

Question 10

What is the difference between a purchase closing and a refinance closing?

Accepted Answer

A purchase closing involves a buyer, seller, and typically a lender - transferring ownership from seller to buyer. A refinance closing involves only the homeowner and their new lender - no property transfer occurs, just a new loan replacing an existing one. Both require title searches and lender's title insurance.

Question 11

Do home buyers need title insurance in Indiana?

Accepted Answer

Your lender will require a lender's title insurance policy to protect their loan. An owner's title insurance policy - which protects your equity and ownership - is optional but highly recommended. In Indiana, the seller traditionally pays for the owner's policy.

Question 12

What does the title company do for the buyer?

Accepted Answer

Empire Title searches the property's ownership history, identifies any liens or issues that must be resolved, issues a title commitment, coordinates the closing, disburses all funds, and records the deed and new mortgage in the public record. We're your closing team.

Question 13

When do I choose a title company?

Accepted Answer

You can - and should - choose your title company as soon as you have a signed purchase contract. In Indiana, either party can select the title company, though it is typically negotiated in the contract. Ask your real estate agent to add Empire Title to your contract.

Question 14

What should I bring to closing?

Accepted Answer

Bring a government-issued photo ID, a cashier's check or confirmation of wire transfer for any funds owed at closing, and any documents your lender requested. We send a closing disclosure in advance so you know exactly what to expect.

Question 15

How do I protect myself from wire fraud at closing?

Accepted Answer

Wire fraud is a serious threat in real estate. Always verify wiring instructions by calling Empire Title directly using a phone number you independently verified - not one from an email. Empire Title will never send new wire instructions via email at the last minute. If in doubt, call us.

Question 16

How do I open a title order with Empire Title?

Accepted Answer

You can open an order online via our Quick Quote form, call any of our three offices, or email our team directly. We need the purchase contract, buyer/seller contact information, and lender details if applicable.

Question 17

How fast can Empire Title provide a title commitment?

Accepted Answer

Standard title commitments are typically ready within 5–7 business days of receiving the complete order. For rush situations, contact us directly - we do our best to accommodate time-sensitive transactions.

Question 18

Does Empire Title handle both buyer's and seller's sides?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Empire Title routinely serves as the settlement agent for both sides of a transaction, coordinating the seller payoff, buyer's new mortgage, and ownership transfer in a single closing.

Question 19

Can Empire Title handle FSBO transactions?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We work directly with buyers and sellers in for-sale-by-owner transactions. We handle the title search, title commitment, closing documents, and deed recording just as we would for agent-represented transactions.

Question 20

Who pays for title insurance in Indiana vs. Ohio?

Accepted Answer

In Indiana, the seller traditionally pays for the owner's title insurance policy. In Ohio, the buyer typically pays for both the owner's and lender's policies. In both states, the buyer pays for the lender's title insurance when financing is involved.

Question 21

Are closing costs higher in Indiana or Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Closing costs vary by transaction, but Indiana and Ohio have similar overall cost structures. Indiana sellers typically pay the owner's title insurance premium, while Ohio buyers pay it. Transfer taxes, recording fees, and lender fees vary by county. Use our closing cost calculators for estimates.

Question 22

Can Empire Title close transactions in both Indiana and Ohio?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Empire Title Service is licensed to provide title insurance and closing services in both Indiana and Ohio, serving buyers, sellers, agents, and lenders across the region from our three Indiana offices.

Title Insurance &
Real Estate Closing FAQ

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Indiana vs. Ohio Differences

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Title Insurance &Real Estate Closing FAQ