What is the difference between owner’s and lender’s title insurance?

Owner’s title insurance protects the homeowner from financial losses or legal costs related to title disputes or defects. This one-time purchase ensures that you, as the property owner, are covered. Lender’s title insurance, on the other hand, protects only the lender's interest in the property if a title issue arises. Note that while lender’s title insurance is commonly required, owner’s title insurance is optional but highly recommended.

Is owner’s title insurance a one-time fee?

Yes, owner’s title insurance is a one-time fee paid at the time of closing. Unlike other types of insurance that require monthly or annual payments, this policy remains in effect for as long as you or your heirs hold an interest in the property. Its long-term coverage for a single upfront cost makes it a cost-effective way to protect your investment.

Why Title Insurance Matters More in Historic Michigan Communities

Justin Gooderham
Jun 25
3 min read

Title Insurance for Historic Adrian Michigan Real Estate

The purchase of a home in the charming town of Adrian, Michigan, attracts numerous buyers. The historic communities of Michigan attract both first-time homebuyers and experienced homeowners because of their attractive architecture and their close-knit neighborhoods and their proximity to downtown areas. These specific areas demonstrate a growing demand for title insurance protection.

Hidden Histories Lurk in Older Homes

Older properties in Adrian often come with long ownership chains, increasing the risk of errors and defects in real estate records.

What You Don’t See Can Hurt You

Public records show unpaid taxes, forged documents, and boundary disputes, which become apparent only after property purchase.

Title Insurance Protects What Matters Most

Title insurance protects your property investment by covering unexpected problems that may arise. The insurance protects you from financial and legal risks that stem from your property's historical background before they become your responsibility.

Title Insurance Tips for Buying Historic Homes

The city of Adrian, Michigan, is famous for its architectural heritage, featuring a variety of 19th-century homes and active preservation efforts. Visitors can see Greek Revival masterpieces and Victorian-era structures located in the neighborhoods highlighted by the Adrian Architectural Project and the Lenawee Historical Society’s Historic Structures Program. The city is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts and a hotspot for uncovering hidden title risks.

Before you fall in love with that historic porch or grand staircase, there are a few important things you should consider:

1. Older Properties Often Have Long, Complex Ownership Histories

The majority of Adrian's homes were constructed during the mid-to-late 1800s. The Greek Revival homes feature architectural elegance, yet their ownership history spans multiple decades and even centuries. The extensive history of these properties complicates title searches, which in turn increases the likelihood of:

Missing heirs
Incorrect legal descriptions
Unpaid property taxes from years past
Gaps in public records

Title insurance protects you from ownership errors and historical inaccuracies that may exist in your property records.

2. Restoration and Property Lines Can Be a Legal Gray Area

Multiple generations of renovations and structural modifications occur in historic homes. Home renovation and construction activities sometimes result in unintentional property boundary intrusions into neighboring properties through fences, garages, and home extensions. Legal disputes between neighbors may occur when unclear property lines and easement conflicts become apparent.

Your title insurance policy protects you from legal disputes that may arise due to unclear property boundaries or encroachments that become evident after the closing process.

3. Unrecorded Liens or Claims Are More Common in Historic Areas

Because of the age of these homes and their many past owners, there may be:

Old mechanics’ liens from contractors
Unreleased mortgages
Historic tax assessments

Some of these issues may remain concealed within incomplete public records.

Title insurance protects your ownership rights in the event that a previously undisclosed lien emerges after you purchase the home.

4. Older Homes Are Beautiful, but Often Sold in "As-Is" Condition

Historic home buyers often seek properties that exhibit charm, craftsmanship, and character. However, many of these historic properties are sold without disclosure statements. You may get a good price, but you may also encounter legal issues related to title ownership that you are not aware of.

Work with a Local Agency Who Understands Adrian’s History

At Blue Pointe Title, we’ve been helping buyers in Adrian and surrounding Lenawee County communities since 2018. We know the homes. We know the neighborhoods. And we know what to look for in the records.

Your title search will receive precise and detailed attention from a local title insurance agency that specializes in Adrian real estate because they possess deep knowledge of the local market.

The following information about Michigan real estate will be beneficial for you to understand before purchasing a home:

Title insurance requires payment only at closing because it provides permanent protection throughout your homeownership period.
The payment for owner's title insurance is made once at closing and provides ongoing protection for your property throughout your period of homeownership. Owner's insurance safeguards your investment.
Owning historic homes increases the likelihood of uncovering missing documentation, as well as title defects and errors.
When you work with a title agency based in Adrian you get access to detailed property records and neighborhood history and the legal characteristics that are specific to our area.

We are here to assist you: