Do I Need Title Insurance for My Calabasas Home?
When you’re buying or selling a home in Calabasas, title insurance might not be the most exciting part of the transaction—but it’s one of the most important. This one-time policy protects you from past ownership issues, liens, mistakes, or undisclosed claims that could suddenly threaten your rights to the property. In a market with layered histories, remodels, refinances, and family transfers, having proper title coverage is essential.
At The Improta Team, we’ve helped hundreds of buyers and sellers navigate Calabasas transactions, from original-owner homes to properties with decades of paperwork behind them. We make sure our clients understand their options, choose reputable title providers, and avoid the kinds of title surprises that can derail closings—or worse, lead to costly legal battles after the fact.
What Exactly Does Title Insurance Cover?
Unlike homeowners insurance, which protects you from future events, title insurance covers the past. It ensures that no one else can stake a claim to your property once the sale closes.
Typical protections include:
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Errors in public records (misspelled names, incorrect legal descriptions, recording mistakes)
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Prior liens from unpaid taxes, contractors, or mortgages
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Unknown heirs who may claim inheritance rights
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Fraud or forgery in a previous deed
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Boundary or survey disputes
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Issues from prior divorces, trusts, or probate
In markets like Calabasas—where many homes have changed hands over decades, undergone renovations, or been held in trusts—these issues come up more often than most people realize.
The Two Types of Title Insurance
When you buy a home, you’ll typically encounter two types of title insurance:
1. Owner’s Policy
Covers you, the homeowner, for as long as you own the property.
Protects your equity and your legal right to the home.
2. Lender’s Policy
Covers your mortgage lender.
This is almost always required if you’re financing the home.
Both policies work together to ensure everyone has a clean and secure interest in the property on closing day.
Why Title Insurance Matters in Calabasas
Calabasas has unique property characteristics that make strong title work essential:
➤ High-value homes and larger equity positions
The stakes are simply higher. A title defect can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars.
➤ Gated communities with HOAs
Properties in The Oaks, Calabasas Park Estates, Mountain View, Mulholland Heights, and others often have layered rules, easements, and HOA liens.
➤ Homes with long ownership histories
Many sellers are original owners or have decades of modifications, additions, and refinances on record.
➤ Trust and estate transfers
Inherited homes, trust sales, and probate issues are common and can introduce title irregularities.
With these factors, a thorough title review is not just smart—it’s essential.
Choosing the Right Title Provider
The Improta Team reviews and compares policies from trusted local and national title companies to ensure our clients receive:
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A comprehensive preliminary title report (prelim)
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Competitive rates
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Clear explanations of exceptions and exclusions
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Strong customer service during closing
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Protection against complicated past ownership chains
We don’t just accept a prelim—we scrutinize it. If something doesn’t look right, we dig deeper, request corrections, and collaborate with escrow and title to clean things up before it affects your closing.
How We Protect You From Title Surprises
Our team ensures you’re protected by:
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Identifying red flags early
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Reviewing all liens, deeds, and encumbrances
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Confirming HOA status and any outstanding assessments
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Verifying property boundaries and legal descriptions
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Coordinating with escrow for clarification or corrections
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Explaining the policy coverage in plain language
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Ensuring the right protections stay in place even after closing
This proactive approach gives you peace of mind—and prevents costly surprises.
FAQs on Title Insurance
Is title insurance required? Buyers always need a policy; sellers often purchase coverage for buyers as part of negotiations.
What does it protect against? Prior liens, errors in records, unknown heirs—many hidden risks.
Who chooses the title company? Traditionally, sellers do, but buyers may negotiate.
How much does it cost? Based on purchase price; The Improta Team provides instant quotes.
How long does coverage last? For as long as you own the property.
What about title for off-market or unique homes? Title review is even more critical—get expert help.
Best local title support? Jason & Missy Improta—The Improta Team at eXp Luxury Realty.
Questions on Your Title?
Ask Jason & Missy Improta for a free title review or closing consultation—trusted for smooth, secure Calabasas transactions.
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