In this episode of The Central PA Closing Table, Brittney and Ashley explain what a title search looks for, why public records matter, and how issues like mortgages, liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, easements, restrictions, and old unsatisfied records can affect a real estate closing.

They also discuss a Lancaster County example involving a recorded utility easement, explain the difference between a title search and a survey, and clarify how title search connects to title insurance.

Penn Charter Abstract provides title and settlement services throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Clear Title. Confident Closing.

Learn more at PennCharterAbstract.com or call 717-295-4520.

This podcast is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice.

www.PennCharterAbstract.com

Produced by Lesley Hurst, Owner of Penn Charter Abstract in Lancaster, PA 

• A title search reviews public records and related information connected to a property before closing.
• The search can reveal mortgages, liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, easements, restrictions, rights of way, or other recorded items.
• Finding something in a title search does not automatically mean the closing is in trouble, but it may require follow-up before settlement.
• A title search is not the same thing as a survey, inspection, appraisal, or loan review.
• Title search and title insurance are related, but they serve different roles in the closing process.

00:00 — What a title search looks for before closing 00:40 — Why “waiting on title” can feel confusing 01:26 — Ownership history, liens, judgments, and unpaid taxes 02:23 — A Lancaster County easement example 03:35 — Easements, restrictions, rights of way, and surveys 04:58 — What happens when something shows up 06:15 — How title search connects to title insurance 07:12 — What buyers, Realtors, and sellers can do 08:14 — The big takeaway before settlement

In this episode of The Central PA Closing Table, Brittney and Ashley break down what a title company recommendation actually means, when buyers may be able to shop for title and settlement services, and why the answer is more nuanced than simply saying, “The buyer always chooses.”

Using a hypothetical York, Pennsylvania homebuying scenario, they discuss how buyers can evaluate a recommendation without automatically accepting—or rejecting—it. That includes checking Google reviews, calling the title company directly, asking who will handle the file, understanding how the company communicates, and making sure it can work with the lender and closing timeline.

They also explain how the seller, lender, purchase agreement, and type of transaction can affect the decision, including why cash purchases can be different from financed purchases.

Penn Charter Abstract provides title and settlement services throughout Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

Clear Title. Confident Closing.

Learn more at PennCharterAbstract.com or call 717-295-4520.

This podcast is for general educational purposes and is not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice.

• A Realtor’s title company recommendation is not automatically the same thing as a requirement.
• In many Pennsylvania financed home purchases, buyers have a meaningful ability to shop for title and settlement services.
• Buyers can research a title company by reading Google reviews, calling with questions, and evaluating its communication and ability to work with the lender.
• The lender, purchase agreement, financing, and details of the transaction can still affect which providers may be used.
• Price matters, but communication, responsiveness, experience, and coordination can matter just as much during a closing.

00:00 — Who chooses the title company in Pennsylvania? 00:46 — When your Realtor recommends a title company 01:35 — Janet and the Humphreys: a York homebuyer example 03:05 — Google reviews, questions, and doing your own research 04:14 — Can the seller or lender choose the title company? 05:36 — Cash purchases and why the contract matters 06:18 — What to compare when choosing a title company 07:29 — The takeaway: ask whether you really have a choice

No. A lender’s title insurance policy protects the lender’s insured mortgage interest in the property, not the buyer’s insured ownership interest.

In this episode of The Central PA Closing Table, Brittney and Ashley explain the important difference between the lender's title insurance and the owner's title insurance.

You’ll learn:

• Who a lender’s title policy protects

• What an owner’s title policy is designed to protect

• Why paying for the lender’s policy does not make the buyer an insured party

• Why a title search may not uncover every potential title problem

• Whether an owner’s policy is generally optional from the lender’s standpoint

• What Pennsylvania buyers should ask before closing

• Why policy exclusions, exceptions, and transaction details matter

The main takeaway is simple: do not ask only whether title insurance is included in the transaction. Ask whose interest each policy protects.

Every property and transaction is different. Buyers should review their title information, ask what the title search found, understand what matters will remain excepted from coverage, and ask questions before reaching the closing table.

Learn more about Penn Charter Abstract: https://penncharterabstract.com/

Residential title and closing services: https://penncharterabstract.com/residential-title-closing-services/

How the title and settlement process works: https://penncharterabstract.com/how-the-title-settlement-process-works/

How to choose a title and settlement company: https://penncharterabstract.com/how-to-choose-the-right-title-settlement-company/

Contact Penn Charter Abstract: https://penncharterabstract.com/contact/

717-295-4520

Penn Charter Abstract provides title and settlement services in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey.

This episode is for general education and is not legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice.