Won't a search of title keep problems from arising?
Even the most careful search of the public records will not find every title problem. Because some problems are hidden, your title may appear to be perfect but in fact there may be a problem that is a land mine waiting to explode.

Are all my possible losses covered by an owner policy of title insurance?
No, owner’s title insurance protects you against financial loss caused by covered title risks. The title insurer, without expense to you, will defend you against an attack on the title to your property as insured. If the attack is successful, the title insurer will indemnify you against the defined financial loss up to the policy limit.

Do I pay Annual Premiums?
A small, one-time premium provides you with this valuable protection.

Where can I get an Alamo Title Insurance Policy?
Before buying real estate, give us or one of our title insurance agents a call. Ask how simple it is to insure yourself against title loss.

What are some examples of problems title insurance protects against?
To give you an idea of the types of title problems that may occur, we have compiled this list of "Land Mines" that could result in partial or complete loss of your property or an expensive lawsuit.

"LAND MINES"

A TITLE INSURANCE POLICY IS A CONTRACT BETWEEN YOU AND ALAMO TITLE INSURING YOU AGAINST LOSS IN THE EVENT A TITLE DEFECT OCCURS RESULTING FROM A COVERED RISK.

How do real estate agents help sellers make more money?

PRICING
A homeowner is usually not the best judge of the value of his or her home. There are too many emotional ties to the home for the owner to be unbiased. Also the owner knows the amount he needs or wants from the sale and may not be objective.

Real estate brokers have the most current information about the marketplace. This information allows them to know what properties similar to yours are selling for.

If your estimate of value is too high, some prospective buyers will consider it out of their reach. Also, frequent price reductions may cause buyers to wonder if something is wrong with the home.

If your estimate of value is too low, you will lose money you could have had. A price which is too low may also be discouraging to buyers who are suspicious of bargain deals.

Real estate brokers will aid you in appraising your home by pointing out that the home is in a favorable location, convenient to transportation and shopping, or has a popular design or builder.

FINDING A BUYER
A "For Sale by Owner" sign in your yard can have implications you may not have considered. Your doorbell may ring at any time of the day or night. You may lose a sale if you’re not home. Strangers - some just simply curious - will want to look at your home. People may ask you many personal questions about financing, settlement, reasons for selling and so forth.

A real estate broker will screen prospective buyers in order to show your home to interested buyers with the ability to buy. Your home will be shown with advance notice to you. Plus, brokers have clients who are looking for homes like yours.

Advertising your home is an art. Brokers know where to advertise, how often to advertise and how to word advertisements for effect. This knowledge can sell your home more quickly.

Real estate brokers can continue selling your home, even if you are at work or out of town, by using lock boxes and other proven techniques.

MAKING THE DEAL
Buyers usually offer less than your asking price. Can you objectively evaluate the offer? Unless you have bought and sold several homes, you may need help in dealing with contracts.

Your broker knows how to handle counter-offers, prices, cash down payments, settlement dates, financing, and other important details.

Brokers have done it before, so they know what to do. Your broker will either have an answer or know where to find it.

When it comes to real estate commissions, it is important to remember this - the more money your broker earned, the more money you made on the sale.

BUYING REAL ESTATE
When buying or selling real estate, brokers will probably recommend the purchase of an owner policy of title insurance, a contract that protects you against covered title risks, including liens, defects or encumbrances of the past and to insure that your home is yours. An owner’s title insurance policy may protect you against actual financial loss up to the policy limit.

Alamo Title Insurance has been insuring titles to homes, ranches, and commercial property for more than 75 years. We urge you to protect your title with us.

Many times, people try to save money by selling their homes without the aid of a real estate broker. "For Sale by Owner" often appears to be a good way to save money, but selling your home yourself could cost you time and money.

Real estate brokers can save you valuable time by selling your home faster and can help you get the most money for your property.

They can also help you attend to some of the many details you might not have considered.

How to get the most for your house?

FIRST IMPRESSIONS - SELL HOMES
Other than the price, the first impression your home makes is the most important attribute of a sale. When you place your home on the market, you will make more money if it looks its best.

Look at your house as though seeing it for the first time. Determine what need

CLICK HERE for a list that will assist you in reviewing the attributes of your home so that it will show to its best advantage.

SELLING THIS HOME, BUYING ANOTHER
If you’re selling this home, you’re probably buying another one.

In order to protect your investment in your new home, you should protect yourself with an owner policy of title insurance. Claims against previous owners can be filed against the property and the current owner. That means you, the new buyer.

Title problems such as fraud, forgery, missing heirs, old liens and errors in the records can endanger your investment or even cause you to lose your home.

An owner’s title insurance policy from Alamo Title Insurance can insure you against covered risks.

For only a small, one-time premium, the insurance coverage lasts as long as you or your heirs have an interest in the property or you have liability under warranties you may give.

So when you buy a home or other real estate, be sure to protect your investment with an owner policy of title insurance from Alamo Title Insurance. We’ve been insuring titles for more than 75 years.