After all the negotiations are done and the seller has accepted your offer, you should receive a home title report within a week. Most mortgage lenders require you to pay title insurance as part of the closing costs; title insurers search the public records to make sure the home seller actually had rights to the title and that there are no liens on the home (like an unpaid contractor or unpaid taxes).

Money saving tip: Ask your agent for recommendations, and shop around to find the best title insurance rates. You may also be able to negotiate some fees the insurance provider charges.

For more real estate terms you’ll encounter throughout the process…