Home Buyer Title Services
in Indiana & Ohio
If you're buying a home in Indiana or Ohio, Empire Title handles your title search, title insurance, and closing - protecting your ownership from day one with licensed professionals who have done this for 20+ years.
Understanding the Title Process
Title Search Protects You
Before closing, Empire Title searches decades of public records to confirm the seller legally owns the property and there are no hidden liens, unpaid taxes, or judgments attached to it.
Title Insurance Covers Hidden Issues
Even the most thorough search can miss issues in the historical record. Owner's title insurance protects your equity for as long as you own the home - for a one-time premium paid at closing.
Closing Is Where Ownership Transfers
The closing (also called settlement) is the final step - where you sign documents, funds are disbursed, and the deed is recorded in your name at the county recorder's office.
Your Closing Agent Is Your Guide
Empire Title coordinates everything between you, your lender, and the seller. We prepare the closing disclosure, answer your questions, and make sure the transaction closes accurately and on time.
From Contract to Keys in Six Steps
Purchase Contract Signed
You and the seller agree on terms and sign the purchase agreement. This kicks off the title process.
Empire Opens Your Order
Your agent or lender opens a title order with Empire Title. We confirm all parties and get started immediately.
Title Search
Our team researches the property's ownership history, checking for liens, taxes, judgments, and any other issues.
Title Commitment Issued
We send a title commitment listing the search results and any items that must be resolved before closing.
Closing Day
You sign loan documents and the deed transfer. Empire Title collects and disburses all funds.
You Own It
The deed is recorded at the county recorder's office. You receive the keys. You're officially a homeowner.
Understanding Your Closing Costs
As a buyer in Indiana, your closing costs typically include the lender's title insurance premium, recording fees, prepaid interest, and your share of property tax proration. The seller traditionally pays for the owner's title insurance policy.
In Ohio, buyers typically pay for both the owner's and lender's title insurance policies, which is different from Indiana's customs.
Use our free Buyer Estimate calculator to get a detailed breakdown of what you can expect to bring to the closing table.
Lender's Title Insurance
Protects your lender's loan interest. Required for financed purchases in both Indiana and Ohio. Paid by the buyer.
Owner's Title Insurance
In Indiana, traditionally paid by the seller. In Ohio, typically paid by the buyer. One-time premium at closing.
Recording Fees & Prorations
County recording fees and property tax prorations are split per the purchase contract terms.