Buyers & sellers
Closing doesn't have to feel confusing.
The closing journey
Nine steps. No mystery.
01
Contract
The signed contract is delivered to the title company.
02
Earnest Money & Escrow
Funds and documents are received and the escrow process begins.
03
Title Search
Property records are reviewed for ownership interests, liens, judgments, taxes and other matters that could affect title.
04
Title Commitment
A title commitment identifies requirements, exceptions and conditions related to issuing title insurance.
05
Coordination
The title, lending and real estate teams work toward the closing date.
06
Final Numbers
The parties receive their final settlement or closing information.
07
Closing
Documents are signed and required funds are delivered securely.
08
Funding & Recording
Once all requirements are satisfied, funds are disbursed and applicable documents are recorded.
09
Welcome Home
The transaction is complete.
Plain English
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects against certain covered ownership problems connected to events that occurred before you purchased the property, such as undisclosed liens, ownership disputes, fraud, forgery or certain errors in the public record.
There are generally two primary title policies involved in a financed Texas residential transaction.
Owner's Policy
Protects the homeowner's insured ownership interest, subject to the policy's terms, conditions and exclusions.
Loan Policy
Protects the lender's insured interest.
This information is general educational information and is not legal, tax, insurance or financial advice. Coverage is governed by the applicable title insurance policy. Contact Chicago Title or an appropriate professional regarding your specific transaction.
Texas title facts
Texas Title, Without the Title-Speak.
Six questions that come up in almost every transaction. If yours isn't here, call her.
Ask Tamara — 713.927.3433Take this one seriously
One email can look right and still be wrong.
Real estate transactions are frequent targets for wire fraud.
Criminals may impersonate buyers, sellers, agents, lenders or title professionals and attempt to substitute fraudulent wiring information.
Tamara will never be offended because you double-checked. When money is moving, verify.
Have a closing question? Call 713.927.3433Before sending money
- Independently verify wiring instructions with the title company using a trusted phone number.
- Be suspicious of unexpected emails changing wiring instructions.
- Do not rely solely on an email reply to verify financial information.
- Confirm receipt after sending funds.
- Contact your escrow team immediately if anything feels unusual.