Questions deserve clear answers.

Title insurance protects an owner or lender from covered financial losses connected to defects in a property's title that existed before the policy date but were unknown or undisclosed. Before issuing a policy, the title company researches public records and works to identify and address title issues. Coverage is controlled by the terms, conditions, exceptions, and exclusions in the specific policy.

An owner's title insurance policy protects the buyer's ownership interest, subject to the policy's terms. A lender's policy protects the lender's interest in the property up to the covered loan amount. A lender generally requires a lender's policy when financing is involved, but that policy does not protect the owner's equity.

Many insurance products primarily address future events. Title insurance primarily addresses covered title problems arising from events that occurred before the policy date, such as an undisclosed ownership claim, forgery, or lien. A title search is performed before the policy is issued to identify and resolve discoverable issues.

The title company examines available public records to document ownership and identify matters that may affect title, such as liens, judgments, easements, or other recorded interests. If an issue is found, it may need to be resolved before closing or identified as an exception to coverage.

An owner's policy generally protects the insured owner's interest for as long as that owner retains an interest in the property, subject to the policy's terms and conditions. The exact coverage should always be confirmed by reviewing the issued policy.

Consumers may choose an authorized title insurer or title agency in Nevada. A real estate or mortgage professional may recommend a provider, but Nevada consumer guidance states that they may not require a consumer to use a particular title agent or insurer. Contract terms and lender requirements should still be reviewed for the individual transaction.

In Nevada, the traditional arrangement is for the buyer to pay for the lender's policy and the seller to pay for the owner's policy. These costs can be negotiated, so the purchase agreement and final closing documents control who pays in a particular transaction.

Title insurance is generally purchased with a one-time premium paid in connection with closing rather than a recurring monthly premium. The amount depends on the transaction, policy type, coverage amount, and applicable filed rates or discounts.

Escrow is a neutral process in which funds, documents, and written instructions are coordinated for a transaction. The escrow holder follows the parties' instructions and applicable requirements, helping the transaction move toward closing without representing the interests of only one side.

Depending on the transaction, the title and escrow team may review instructions and documents, order and examine title information, obtain payoff or demand statements, coordinate lender requirements, prepare settlement information, arrange signatures, receive and disburse funds, and communicate with the parties throughout the closing process.

Closing generally includes reviewing and signing the documents needed to complete the transaction. When financing is involved, the buyer also signs the loan documents that create the mortgage obligation. Funding, recording, and disbursement occur when the transaction's requirements have been satisfied; the exact sequence can vary.

A preliminary report or title commitment describes the proposed title insurance coverage and identifies requirements and exceptions based on the title examination. It is not the final title insurance policy. Parties should review it promptly and ask the title team about items they do not understand.

A recorded lien, ownership question, unreleased loan, judgment, probate matter, or document problem may need additional information or corrective documents before insurable title can be provided. Some issues are resolved quickly, while others require cooperation from third parties or additional review.

Funds are disbursed after the escrow holder has the required funds and documents and the conditions for closing have been satisfied, including recording when applicable. Because every transaction is different, your escrow team can explain the timing and remaining requirements for your file.

Compare the total cost for the services and coverage you need, not only one individual fee. When a mortgage is involved, title-related costs should correspond with the applicable totals shown on the Loan Estimate or Closing Disclosure. Ask providers to explain included services, policy coverage, available discounts, and any transaction-specific charges.

Before sending money, independently confirm the instructions with a trusted representative using a phone number you already know—not a phone number or link supplied in an unexpected email. Be especially cautious about last-minute changes to wiring instructions, and do not send sensitive financial information through ordinary email. If you believe funds were misdirected, contact your bank or wire-transfer provider immediately and notify the appropriate parties.