Do I Really Need Title Insurance to Flip Houses?

Once you’ve watched enough HGTV, you’ll likely realize the house flipping market is a great avenue to put your designer eye to use and simultaneously try to take home a profit. Although this process may not seem overly complicated, there are steps to take that can easily be overlooked-such as purchasing the correct insurance. 


New house flippers may try to work with their personal home insurance provider but fail to realize that flipping houses requires a specific type of insurance coverage. With a little bit of TLC, you can ‘upcycle’ fixer-uppers and see a significant return on investment, but make sure your property is protected with True Concept Title’s guide to the right flipping coverage.


A room with a lot of windows and a broom on the floor.


Why Title Insurance is Crucial for House Flipping


Insurance is necessary to protect your property. Since no one is currently living in your fixer-upper, you might not see the point of insurance. And it’s not your forever home, so why bother getting title insurance right? However, flipping a property may be an even higher risk than your personal home, so it’s crucial that you are adequately covered with the proper insurance.


Old homes that have faced foreclosure or were abandoned when a previous owner passed away may have clouds on the title.

 

Rather than rushing through the process of a ‘house flip’ in an attempt to make some quick cash, make sure to take your time to properly research the property’s history


Without a thorough title search and title insurance, you could run into serious legal issues that may invalidate your ability to resell the property. 


Protect Your Ownership with Title Insurance 


When fixing up a home to sell, you may be looking for areas to cut costs. While we totally understand this from a business perspective, make sure you’re being thrifty where it won’t hurt you. You should consider title insurance a fixed cost not to be messed around with – otherwise you risk losing not just a few hundred dollars, but your entire investmentNot worth it. 


Title insurance protects your investment in case there is an issue that was missed during a title search due to errors in public error, for example. Your fixer-upper has likely switched owners multiple times over its lifespan, and if it ever faced foreclosure, this only increases the risk of problems.


If you are frequently buying and selling homes, you may benefit from purchasing a title binder. This commitment acts as a normal title insurance policy but can be transferred to the next home you flip. 


Buying Foreclosed? > Learn More 


Ready for Resale 


Oftentimes, ‘flippable’ homes may be located in areas with FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loan buyers. These loans require 90 days between the property purchase date and sell date. Sales made within 6 months of purchase have a strict process for sale that requires a second appraiser. 


Additionally, if selling within a year of purchase, FHA lenders may require justifying any increase at least 5% above the original value. Make sure you comply with requirements by hiring an experienced real estate lawyer. 


An old white house with a broken window and a chimney.


Special Insurance for Property Flipping 


In addition to title insurance for your flip, there are other special types of insurance policies to consider when purchasing a house to renovate. While these can be purchased separately, we recommend obtaining all three for maximum security. It’s better to be safe than sorry, right? 


Dwelling Policy 


A Dwelling Policy is specifically outlined for vacant properties, protecting against direct physical damage to the premises. Your fixer-upper may be at risk of damage from unfriendly parties when no one is occupying the space.


Builder’s Risk Policy


Like a Dwelling Policy, a Builder’s Risk Policy is intended for a vacant property. If your renovation project requires tampering with the structure of the home, a Builder’s Risk Policy will cover any physical damage accidentally caused during construction.

In contrast to a Dwelling Policy, a Builder’s Risk Policy will protect renovation materials as well as fixtures and equipment.


General Liability Policy  


A General Liability Policy will protect you if anyone gets hurt during a renovation. If you personally are injured, your General Liability Policy can cover your medical expenses. Keep in mind, a General Liability Policy does not protect other individuals working on the property; however, it protects you in case someone is injured and tries to sue you as a result. The insurance company will deal with expenses that arise in this case.


Secure Your Flip with True Concept  


Title insurance is arguably the most critical kind of insurance you should obtain when buying not only a house to flip but any kind of property. You may run into solvable issues on the property while renovating, but none of these challenges will be worth the struggle if you are also faced with legal claims, public record errors, liens, or even someone claiming rightful ownership of the property.


Flipping houses can be an excellent source of income that can offer a significant reward for hard work – work that is often fun and provides room for limitless creativity. However, to avoid debilitating property damage costs, medical expenses, legal fees that cancel out your return on investment, or even losing your property, it is essential to cover your fixer-upper with the right insurance.


Rehabbers and house flippers: remember, you have a choice in title. Get in touch with national title insurance experts like True Concept Title. We can help protect your flip! Call our team today to start the process – (813)-263-7168


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Itemized Fees and Closing Costs : Validate all entries to ensure accuracy and reasonableness. Cash Needed at Closing: Verify the required amount and ensure it aligns with your financial arrangements. Discrepancies or unexpected figures should immediately be brought to your lender or title company’s attention. By addressing these questions early, you can avoid potential stress on closing day. Conduct a Final Walk-Through A final walk-through is your last opportunity to inspect the property before taking ownership. This step is typically scheduled 24 hours before closing and allows you to confirm that: Repairs : Any modifications or repairs agreed upon have been completed satisfactorily. Condition of the Property: Check that the property is in the expected condition, with no significant changes since your last visit. Presence of Fixtures and Appliances: Ensure that everything included in the sale is present and functioning. If concerns arise during the walk-through, raise them with your real estate agent right away to find a resolution before the closing meeting. This proactive approach can mitigate any last-minute surprises on the big day. Ensure Funds Are Ready On closing day, you will need to have all necessary funds ready to facilitate the transfer. Here’s what to consider: Exact Amount Required: The Closing Disclosure outlines the exact cash required at closing, which may include your down payment and closing costs. Payment Method: Most transactions require a wire transfer or certified cashier's check. Personal checks are typically not accepted, so you must ensure you have the proper format. Bank Arrangements: Give yourself ample time to arrange for fund transfers. Plan for potential delays in processing, and confirm payment methods with your escrow company. It’s crucial to coordinate with your bank and escrow officer to ensure the financial transaction goes off without a hitch. Confirm Your Appointment Time and Location Logistical details like the time and place of your closing should be confirmed well in advance: Location: Typically held at your title company’s office or your real estate attorney’s location. Confirm this with your agent ahead of time. Punctuality: Arriving on time allows the process to begin smoothly and prevents unnecessary delays. If your closing involves electronic signatures or remote participation, ensure you understand the technology requirements and have a reliable internet connection. This preparation helps facilitate a seamless virtual closing experience. Prepare for Signing Documents Closing entails signing a multitude of documents, each vital for formalizing your purchase. Key documents you’ll encounter include: Deed of Trust or Mortgage Document: This legally binds your property to the loan agreement, protecting the lender's interest. 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