The TGT Blog
Welcome to the Tallgrass Title Information Blog, where we will guide you through the ins and outs of our industry. Whether you're a first-time homebuyer, a real estate investor, or a mortgage lender, understanding title insurance is crucial for protecting your investment and ensuring a smooth transaction process. In this blog, we will cover everything from the basics of title insurance to advanced topics such as title searches, closing protection letters, and escrow services. Our hope is that when you are done reading, you will have a more comprehensive understanding of title insurance and be better equipped with knowledge to make informed decisions in your real estate endeavors.
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Commitment Issues, Vol. 1 – Title Commitment 101
No, no.
This is not the commitment issues you’re thinking of.
This is a series about the Title Commitments that we issue and making sure you understand what you are reading.
We want to go in-depth and help break down just what purpose the Commitment serves, as well as its different components.
The end goal is for you to receive a Commitment and recognize the general items and terms and understand how to navigate them.
No, no.
This is not the commitment issues you’re thinking of.
This is a series about the Title Commitments that we issue and making sure you understand what you are reading.
We want to go in-depth and help break down just what purpose the Commitment serves, as well as its different components.
The end goal is for you to receive a Commitment and recognize the general items and terms and understand how to navigate them.
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Commitment Issues, Vol. 2 – Commitment Jackets
As we discussed in the first volume of this series, which can be viewed here, “issues” does not refer to problems that you may find with the Commitment, but issues, such as a magazine or a publication series, about Commitments. In the first issue, we covered the generalities of the Commitment to help landscape the idea of exactly what it is (and is not) and the purpose it serves. Now let’s dive into the finer details of different aspects of the Commitment itself.
As we discussed in the first volume of this series, which can be viewed here, “issues” does not refer to problems that you may find with the Commitment, but issues, such as a magazine or a publication series, about Commitments. In the first issue, we covered the generalities of the Commitment to help landscape the idea of exactly what it is (and is not) and the purpose it serves. Now let’s dive into the finer details of different aspects of the Commitment itself.
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Why Title Insurance?
I routinely hear the question: Is Title Insurance worth it?
My answer? —Yes.
For your protection, you wouldn’t buy a house without homeowners’ insurance, buy a car without car insurance, risk not having life or health insurance. So, why would you not protect the title to your home?
Title insurance is a one-time fee paid at closing that you never have to worry about it again, as long as you remain the owner.
So it would be crazy not to do it!
I routinely hear the question: Is Title Insurance worth it?
My answer? —Yes.
For your protection, you wouldn’t buy a house without homeowners’ insurance, buy a car without car insurance, risk not having life or health insurance. So, why would you not protect the title to your home?
Title insurance is a one-time fee paid at closing that you never have to worry about it again, as long as you remain the owner.
So it would be crazy not to do it!
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Settlement Statements
Whether the transaction is cash or financed, our office will provide an American Land Title Association (ALTA) Settlement Statement to both the Buyer and Seller.
Settlement Statements, reflect all debits and credits associated with the transaction.
The Buyer and Seller statements are unique to their respective side of the closing and can only be shared with the other party if we have express permission in writing.
Whether the transaction is cash or financed, our office will provide an American Land Title Association (ALTA) Settlement Statement to both the Buyer and Seller.
Settlement Statements, reflect all debits and credits associated with the transaction.
The Buyer and Seller statements are unique to their respective side of the closing and can only be shared with the other party if we have express permission in writing.
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Early Signings Means Easy Closings
One of the most effective ways to streamline the closing process in real estate transactions is by signing documents early. By completing necessary paperwork ahead of the closing date, all parties involved can ensure that any potential issues or discrepancies are addressed in advance. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of delays and last-minute complications, allowing for a smoother and more efficient closing experience.
One of the most effective ways to streamline the closing process in real estate transactions is by signing documents early. By completing necessary paperwork ahead of the closing date, all parties involved can ensure that any potential issues or discrepancies are addressed in advance. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood of delays and last-minute complications, allowing for a smoother and more efficient closing experience.
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Best Day to Close Your Transaction
In this blog, we will explore the various factors that influence the ideal day to close a real estate transaction. Each day of the week offers advantages, as well as items to take into consideration. By examining these factors, readers will be better equipped to determine the best closing day that aligns with their needs and circumstances.
In this blog, we will explore the various factors that influence the ideal day to close a real estate transaction. Each day of the week offers advantages, as well as items to take into consideration. By examining these factors, readers will be better equipped to determine the best closing day that aligns with their needs and circumstances.
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Contracts –What About Em'?
Real estate contracts serve as the foundational blueprint that outlines the terms and conditions binding buyers and sellers in a property transaction. Understanding their role is essential for ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership and protecting all parties involved.
Real estate contracts serve as the foundational blueprint that outlines the terms and conditions binding buyers and sellers in a property transaction. Understanding their role is essential for ensuring a smooth transfer of ownership and protecting all parties involved.
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Security at Tallgrass Title
In this session, we will outline best practices by TGT for safeguarding our clients sensitive client information and maintaining regulatory compliance.
In this session, we will outline best practices by TGT for safeguarding our clients sensitive client information and maintaining regulatory compliance.
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Split Closings
In this edition of Closings with Karissa, we will explore the twists and turns of split closings and how they impact a real estate transaction. At Tallgrass Title, we specialize in managing split closings efficiently to ensure a smooth and timely closing experience for all parties involved. Our team’s expertise and attention to detail help minimize risks and provide clear communication throughout the process.
In this edition of Closings with Karissa, we will explore the twists and turns of split closings and how they impact a real estate transaction. At Tallgrass Title, we specialize in managing split closings efficiently to ensure a smooth and timely closing experience for all parties involved. Our team’s expertise and attention to detail help minimize risks and provide clear communication throughout the process.
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Marital Status and Holding Title
When it comes to selling your property, getting that contract signed and sent to your local title company is the first step to a smooth closing. To ensure the process goes as effortlessly as possible, there are few additional things to keep in mind when you put your John Hancock on that very important sheet of paper.
When it comes to selling your property, getting that contract signed and sent to your local title company is the first step to a smooth closing. To ensure the process goes as effortlessly as possible, there are few additional things to keep in mind when you put your John Hancock on that very important sheet of paper.
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What Do Examiners Do?
I have been asked many times, “so what exactly do you do for your job?” My first attempt at a succinct answer is to say, “I work with title insurance”. However, this generally led to a misconception that I was somehow a telemarketer and tried to sell insurance to people over the phone.
This mistake on my part led me to believe that a lot of people do not really know what goes on behind the scenes when they conduct a transaction through a title company.
I have been asked many times, “so what exactly do you do for your job?” My first attempt at a succinct answer is to say, “I work with title insurance”. However, this generally led to a misconception that I was somehow a telemarketer and tried to sell insurance to people over the phone.
This mistake on my part led me to believe that a lot of people do not really know what goes on behind the scenes when they conduct a transaction through a title company.
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Legals with Lippman: Government Lots
Imagine this: you’re reviewing an informational or a commitment from the title company and you notice the legal description contains a tract in a government lot.
What does this mean? Is this a concern for my transaction? This is one instance in which the word “government” is nothing to worry about! Legals with Lippman is back to discuss government lots and what they mean to you or your client.
Imagine this: you’re reviewing an informational or a commitment from the title company and you notice the legal description contains a tract in a government lot.
What does this mean? Is this a concern for my transaction? This is one instance in which the word “government” is nothing to worry about! Legals with Lippman is back to discuss government lots and what they mean to you or your client.
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Deeds
In this lesson, we will explore various types of deeds used in real estate transactions, each serving a specific purpose and offering different levels of protection for buyers and sellers. Understanding these deed types is essential for navigating real estate transactions effectively and ensuring proper ownership transfer and title protection.
In this lesson, we will explore various types of deeds used in real estate transactions, each serving a specific purpose and offering different levels of protection for buyers and sellers. Understanding these deed types is essential for navigating real estate transactions effectively and ensuring proper ownership transfer and title protection.
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Auctions Made Easy
A beginner-friendly blog on real estate auctions! If you’re curious about how property auctions work but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We break down the basics, explain the process step-by-step, and guide you through what to expect. Our goal is to make real estate auctions easy to understand for anyone, regardless of experience!
A beginner-friendly blog on real estate auctions! If you’re curious about how property auctions work but don’t know where to start, you’ve come to the right place. We break down the basics, explain the process step-by-step, and guide you through what to expect. Our goal is to make real estate auctions easy to understand for anyone, regardless of experience!
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Easements
Travel and utility easements are critical components in real estate. Understanding these easements is vital for property owners and potential buyers, as they can significantly impact land use and property values. In our upcoming blog post, we will delve into the nuances of these easements, their implications, and how they can affect your real estate transactions.
Travel and utility easements are critical components in real estate. Understanding these easements is vital for property owners and potential buyers, as they can significantly impact land use and property values. In our upcoming blog post, we will delve into the nuances of these easements, their implications, and how they can affect your real estate transactions.
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Escrows
Escrowing insurance premiums and taxes allows property owners to manage their financial obligations efficiently. By incorporating these expenses into monthly mortgage payments, homeowners ensure that funds are available when bills are due, preventing lapses in coverage or tax obligations. Understanding how escrowing works can help homeowners budget effectively and maintain financial stability.
Escrowing insurance premiums and taxes allows property owners to manage their financial obligations efficiently. By incorporating these expenses into monthly mortgage payments, homeowners ensure that funds are available when bills are due, preventing lapses in coverage or tax obligations. Understanding how escrowing works can help homeowners budget effectively and maintain financial stability.
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Home Inspections
In this blog, we’ll break down what a home inspection is, why it’s a crucial step in the homebuying process, and what buyers and sellers can expect. We’ll cover common issues inspectors look for, how to interpret inspection reports, and what to do if problems arise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this guide will help you navigate inspections with confidence.
In this blog, we’ll break down what a home inspection is, why it’s a crucial step in the homebuying process, and what buyers and sellers can expect. We’ll cover common issues inspectors look for, how to interpret inspection reports, and what to do if problems arise. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or seasoned homeowner, this guide will help you navigate inspections with confidence.
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Can You Sell With a Reverse Mortgage
Selling a property with a reverse mortgage enables homeowners to access equity while managing the sale, offering financial flexibility. Clear communication with real estate agents and financial advisors is crucial for discussing loan balances and sale timing. In this blog, we will cover the ins and outs so you feel confident in your next transaction
Selling a property with a reverse mortgage enables homeowners to access equity while managing the sale, offering financial flexibility. Clear communication with real estate agents and financial advisors is crucial for discussing loan balances and sale timing. In this blog, we will cover the ins and outs so you feel confident in your next transaction
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Inheriting Liens
Understanding the implications of inheriting real estate with potential liens can be complex. In this blog, we will break down how properties that are inherited can come with financial obligations that require careful consideration. At Tallgrass Title, we are committed to helping you navigate these intricacies and ensuring that any liens on inherited properties are managed effectively.
Understanding the implications of inheriting real estate with potential liens can be complex. In this blog, we will break down how properties that are inherited can come with financial obligations that require careful consideration. At Tallgrass Title, we are committed to helping you navigate these intricacies and ensuring that any liens on inherited properties are managed effectively.
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FinCEN –What You Need to Know
One of the most talked about upcoming changes in our industry is the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (RRE Rule). With implementation coming March 1st 2026, we want to take a moment to explain what these rules mean, why they matter, and how Tallgrass Title is staying ahead of the curve serve you.
One of the most talked about upcoming changes in our industry is the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule (RRE Rule). With implementation coming March 1st 2026, we want to take a moment to explain what these rules mean, why they matter, and how Tallgrass Title is staying ahead of the curve serve you.
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Introducing the expert team at Tallgrass Title
Embark on your real estate journey with confidence and trust in Tallgrass Title's exceptional services. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.
Karissa Hubley
Experienced in title insurance, 10 years
Brandon Hysong
Experienced in title insurance, 10 years
Sydney Lippman
Experienced in title insurance, 7 years
Jake Pugh
Real Estate Attorney Experienced in title insurance over 20 years
Maddie Lamar - Liby Experienced in title insurance, 5 years
The basics
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Ordering Pre-Title:
Having a search done prior to listing identifies any potential issues or liens and gives sellers ample time to take care of business and prevents delays in closing.
Clear Communication:
Life happens regardless of whether or not you are in escrow. Clear and open communication between all parties including realtors, lenders, Tallgrass Title, and buyers/sellers prevents confusion and delays.
Teamwork:
Should any title defects arise, be available and ready to work alongside us, as your title company, to clear any items. This includes promptly providing loan payoff information, any supporting documentation, and any and all vendor invoices.
Do the Dang Paperwork
Once documents are available, don’t delay, let’s get it done! Paperwork is never “fun,” but here at Tallgrass Title, we strive to make things as easy as possible to limit appointments and trips into the office. Our closers are also RON (Remote Online Notary) Certified and can handle your closing from almost anywhere!
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Questions we are asked ALL. OF. THE. TIME.
“Is Title Insurance worth it?”
“Do I need Title Insurance?”
To which we answer -
Is not having it, worth the risk?
Without a title search, there is no way of knowing whether or not there are liens, errors in public records, undisclosed heirs or previous owners, or a myriad of other potential title defects.
Title insurance is the golden goose, protecting you from financial loss due to anyone of these issues and this protection lasts for as long the property owner maintains ownership in the property.
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Tallgrass Title provides a level or service and assurance for homeowners to know their investment is safeguarded against unforeseen issues. This allows them to enjoy their new space and fully focus on the things that matter to them.
Title Insurance FAQ
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At Tallgrass Title, we understand the importance of protecting your property investment. Title Insurance is indemnity insurance that insures against financial loss from defects in title to real property and from the invalidity or un-enforceability of mortgage loans. It insures that you actually own your real estate or that a bank’s mortgage is properly filed and perfected against real estate.
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When purchasing a property, there can be hidden risks and potential defects in the title that may not be immediately apparent. Title insurance is essential to protect yourself from any unforeseen issues that may arise in the future. There is no requirement that you purchase an owner's title insurance policy. However, if someone claims a lien or other form of ownership against the real estate, your property could be subject to this lien or claim. Title insurance protects the owner in this event. Additionally, if you are obtaining a loan to purchase real estate, your bank will require you to pay for lenders’ title insurance. At this point, should you have an owners’ policy ordered, the loan policy is typically greatly discounted.
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Most Americans’ largest investment is their home. A relatively small commission based upon the sales price paid to a Realtor can help protect your investment. A real estate agent can guide you through the sometimes overwhelming process of listing, negotiating, contract preparation, inspection, insurance and borrowing. For these reasons, we recommend that you contact a realtor prior to attempting to buy or sell your home. Additionally, if you do not routinely deal in real estate negotiations and transactions, we recommend contacting a real estate agent for any other real estate sale or purchase.
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Typically, escrow costs are paid out at closing.
If you are the seller and Tallgrass Title closes the transaction, our fees will be deducted from the proceeds of the sale.
If you are the Buyer, the costs will be included in the amount paid at closing or “cash to close.”
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In order to handle title insurance and a closing, we require a contract signed by all parties and the earnest money deposit (if any).