Title:

 Your home is most likely your largest asset, so protecting your property rights is vital to safeguarding your future. Title insurance gives you peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against defects in the title for as long as you or your heirs own the property.

What do we mean by “defects in the title”? Each real estate transaction is unique and comes with different sets of issues to be resolved. Even if your property’s title search comes back clear, each transfer of ownership in your chain of title could post a hidden issue, such as forgeries, fraud, tax liens, contractor liens or unknown heirs. Our owner’s policies can protect the homeowner in the event that someone sues and says they have a claim against the home from before you purchased it.

Unlike other types of insurance policies, you only pay a title insurance premium once, at closing. For this one-time premium, Sealight Abstract and Escrow  will issue a policy that includes an owner’s policy to you and a lender’s policy to your mortgage company.

 Alongside homeowner's title insurance, we provide lender's title insurance (loan policies) to safeguard lenders against title issues. These policies are typically required for mortgage loans and protect only the lender's interests. Refinancing may also require a lender's policy to cover mechanic's or tax liens. The one-time premium includes both owner's and lender's policies. We offer lenders various tools and resources, integrated with loan origination systems and third-party networks, for increased efficiency, quality, and security. This includes obtaining fee quotes, placing orders, submitting queries, and receiving real-time updates. 

  Sealight's title professionals conduct a thorough search of public records to address title requirements and ensure a marketable title for the new homeowner. Many title searches uncover issues that must be resolved before closing, such as unpaid contractor liens or outstanding taxes. Additional searches are performed to provide a marketable title based on the original search findings. 

 A real estate transaction involves a number of documents, from paperwork for the mortgage loan, to the deed of trust, title insurance and other title-related documents, as well as the closing disclosure.

Our team of experienced, dedicated—and very detail-oriented—settlement agents will prepare all the necessary documents and distribute them to appropriate parties to the transaction via E-Closing, our secure online platform.

We offer leading-edge technology and tools designed to increase efficiency, accuracy and transparency in the closing process, including E-Closing, which makes it possible to review and sign many closing documents in advance.

We hold settlements in our Philadelphia office. We are also able to hold virtual and hybrid closings where allowed.

 Through an efficient partnership network, our proven system for digitally recording documents in counties throughout the United States supports faster processing, quicker turnaround times and cost savings. 

 The IRS allows taxpayers to defer payment of capital gains taxes on the sale of commercial or investment properties if the proceeds are used to purchase a like-kind property. This is called a 1031 Exchange. We work with many companies that provide 1031 exchange services to close the transactions as required by the IRS. 

  New construction on unimproved land raises concerns for lenders and owners due to multiple ownership changes. A survey determines property boundaries, and our title searchers check for existing liens. Title insurance protects against future liens, like when a builder fails to pay subcontractors, covering legal fees. Mechanics lien coverage requires a special request. A lender's policy ensures clear title and correct property financing. 

 From land acquisition through project completion and sale, we can support developers and builders with the necessary expertise for the planning, development and public record process.

Our experienced title search team can help:

• Prepare the Preliminary Report or Title Commitment disclosing:
  • Easements
  • Mineral and oil reservations
  • Taxes
  • Bonds
  • Assessments
  • Existing restrictions
  • Other recorded matters affecting title to the subject property
  • Help obtain the necessary lender consents and signatures on the map

 Our title insurance services can benefit construction loan financing and establish ownership rights for local government approval. We facilitate prompt issuance of owner's policies for individual lots in development. With expedited title searches and efficient resolution of objections, we help shorten project timelines. We offer specialized coverage, including mechanic's lien protection, survey, and zoning coverage. New construction on unimproved land raises concerns for lenders and owners, but our comprehensive title insurance safeguards against future liens. A lender's policy ensures clear title and proper financing. Contact us early in the development process to minimize delays.