What Is Title Insurance in NH Real Estate and Why Is It Important?
- Jim Johnson
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
🏡 What Is Title Insurance in NH Real Estate and Why Is It Important?
When purchasing a home in New Hampshire, buyers receive two major forms of protection: a clear title and a title insurance policy. While the title search uncovers known issues, title insurance protects you against problems that may arise after closing — even if they weren’t discovered in public records.
Here’s what NH buyers and sellers should know.
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What Is Title Insurance?
Title insurance is a one-time insurance policy that protects the buyer (and the lender) from financial loss caused by defects or claims against the property’s title.
Unlike other insurance policies, which cover future events, title insurance protects you from past events that could affect ownership.
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Types of Title Insurance Policies
1. Lender’s Title Insurance (Mandatory)
Required for all financed home purchases
Protects the mortgage lender
Ensures the lender has a valid, enforceable lien on the property
2. Owner’s Title Insurance (Optional but Highly Recommended)
Protects the homebuyer
Covers legal fees, financial losses, and ownership challenges
Lasts as long as you own the property
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What Does Title Insurance Cover?
Title insurance may protect you from:
✔ Undiscovered liens (tax liens, contractor liens, judgments)
✔ Errors in public records
✔ Missing or forged signatures
✔ Fraud or identity theft in past transfers
✔ Undisclosed heirs claiming ownership
✔ Deed mistakes
✔ Improperly recorded documents
✔ Boundary disputes and survey errors
These issues often appear months or years after closing.
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Why NH Buyers Should Get Owner’s Title Insurance
While the lender’s policy protects the bank, it does not protect you.
Owner’s title insurance:
✔ Covers legal defense costs
✔ Reimburses you for covered losses
✔ Protects your financial investment
✔ Ensures you have true, undisputed ownership
✔ Helps facilitate future resale or refinancing
Considering the one-time cost and lifetime protection, it’s a valuable safeguard.
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How Much Does Title Insurance Cost in NH?
In New Hampshire, title insurance typically costs:
💲 $1,000–$2,000, depending on:
✔ Purchase price
✔ Title company pricing
✔ Whether you’re bundling owner’s + lender’s policies
This is a one-time fee paid at closing.
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Does Title Insurance Cover All Title Problems?
Title insurance does not cover:
❌ Issues you create after purchasing the home
❌ Zoning changes or government actions
❌ Future property disputes
❌ Known defects disclosed before closing
But it does cover hidden issues tied to past events.
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Bottom Line
Title insurance is one of the most important protections in NH real estate. It safeguards both buyers and lenders from hidden title problems, unexpected claims, and financial losses — ensuring that when you buy a home, you truly own it.
Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent
58 NH Route 25A
Wentworth, NH 03282
P: (857) 249-7392
Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services
Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com
Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com
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