What Is REO Title Insurance?

Purchasing a previously foreclosed home from a bank or lender can be a great financial real estate move. This is a great way to secure a home that may otherwise not be in your price range, or it may be a great investment to rent out or flip to resell for a profit.


Whatever your reason is for buying a real estate-owned (REO) home, you should make sure you protect your new investment with REO title insurance. Title insurance is always important when purchasing a home, but with an REO property, it is especially so. 

A clipboard with a foreclosure notice on it


What Are REO Properties?


REO stands for real estate owned and is a real estate transaction term that refers to properties that are foreclosed and are now owned by a bank or lender. 


In essence, when a foreclosure property goes to auction and the bank or lender is the highest bidder, it becomes an REO property, and the bank/lender now owns the property. 


Typically, REO properties are sold from the bank or lender to the new buyer “as-is” meaning the seller (bank/lender) does not have to disclose anything about the property, and the interested buyer cannot ask for things to be fixed. While an appraisal and home inspection should be considered so the new buyer knows what they are purchasing, they cannot ask the bank/lender to fix anything.


While You’re Here> Total Guide to REO Properties 


The Perks of Buying Bank Owned Property


Buying an REO property from the bank/lender has many advantages. The main perk is that oftentimes these properties are sold below market value. The bank/lender does not want to hold onto these properties and is looking to make some money in return to pay off the remaining loan amount. This is good for you as the buyer as the seller will often sell them for lower than regular homes for sale in the same area and may even offer incentives to buyers.


In turn, this allows the buyer to purchase a home for a reduced price. The buyer may choose to use this home as their main residence, or they may choose to update the home—if needed—and resell it for a profit or rent it out as a real estate investment. 


Purchasing a bank owned property is usually a win-win financially if the buyer understands the condition of the home and has the means to fix everything that a recommended inspection discovered.


The Importance of REO Title Insurance 


While buying an REO home from the bank/lender has many advantages, the new buyers must also realize that there may be some things to consider when purchasing a foreclosed home.


REO homes became REO homes because the previous owner lost possession of the home, most likely due to not paying their mortgage. When a foreclosed home is sold, it increases the likelihood of possession dispute or issues with liens.


A previous foreclosed homeowner may also have other debts in addition to the foreclosed mortgage, and when a new owner takes over, they will be responsible for any outstanding debt or liens, unless protected by title insurance. 


Title companies, such as True Concept Title, will do an exhaustive and comprehensive search on REO properties to make sure that there are no disputes over ownership or debts/liens. Once the title search is complete, title insurance will guarantee that there are no issues with the title and if one arises, the new owner will be protected and not have to pay anything.

A house with a bank owned for sale sign in front of it


Before Purchasing a Foreclosure > Do I Need Title Insurance on a Foreclosure?


Protect Your New REO Property with Title Insurance


If you are looking to purchase a bank owned home, make sure to purchase title insurance! You will also want to make sure you choose a knowledgeable title company that handles REO title searches and insurance regularly, such as True Concept Title.


A proper and exhaustive title search will make sure that your new REO property is completely free of debts and liens from the beginning, as well as having no issues with prior or undisputed possession. While title insurance is a must, it also is important to make sure the title search was done correctly in the first place, this is where having a reputable title team comes in. 


Contact True Concept Title today at 813-263-7168 and let us help your real estate owned purchase with a comprehensive title search and insurance anywhere nationwide. 

A professional close-up shot of a person in a suit signing a document while another person listens.
By True Concept Title October 17, 2025
Explore types of title insurance policies and what they cover. Protect your property rights and avoid costly surprises with the right coverage.
A small, white model house sits on top of a clipboard with legal documents, placed on a light wooden
By True Concept Title October 7, 2025
Learn how the Forfeiture Act can impact a property's title and how title insurance protects your investment from these complex legal risks.
Alt Text: cardboard house sitting on top of a stack of papers
By True Concept Title October 7, 2025
Easements affect your property rights and land use. Discover how thorough title searches and title insurance protect your ownership before buying.
A man and a woman are sitting at a table with a laptop and a pen.
July 22, 2025
Protect your home with title insurance. Learn how True Concept Title safeguards against fraud, forgery, and disputes to ensure secure, stress-free ownership.
A person is handing a house key to another person.
July 8, 2025
Safeguard your ownership with expert title insurance. Discover how True Concept Title protects owners from future claims, liens, and legal disputes with precise, experienced service.
A young woman is showing an older woman how to use a cell phone.
May 27, 2025
Tips for Seniors Considering a Reverse Mortgage and Title Insurance 
A woman is sitting at a counter in a restaurant pointing at something.
April 12, 2025
10 Questions to Ask Your Title Company Before Closing
A model house and keys are on a wooden table.
March 25, 2025
Exploring the Role of a Title Insurance Underwriter
A woman 's face is covered in red numbers and letters.
February 5, 2025
Discover the importance of data security in title companies and learn how True Concept Title prioritizes your information safety with robust measures to protect sensitive data during real estate transactions.
A person is writing on a tablet with a pencil.
January 12, 2025
In an age where technology continuously reshapes how we conduct transactions, e-closings, and digital signatures have emerged as transformative forces in the real estate industry. These innovations streamline the buying and selling process, offering numerous advantages over traditional paper-based closings. At True Concept Title Company , we embrace these advancements to provide clients with a seamless and efficient closing experience. Here’s a closer look at the key benefits of e-closings and digital signatures. Convenience and Accessibility One of the most significant advantages of e-closings is their unparalleled convenience. Digital transactions eliminate the need for all parties to gather in person, allowing buyers, sellers, and agents to close deals from virtually anywhere in the world. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for individuals with tight schedules or those living in different locations. E-closings also empower you to review documents at your own pace. You can sign digital documents securely at a time that suits you, reducing the pressure to finalize everything in a meeting. This convenience translates to a more relaxed and stress-free experience for everyone involved. Enhanced Security Measures Digital signatures offer enhanced security features that protect the integrity of your documents. Electronic transactions often utilize encryption and secure identities to ensure that signatures are genuine and documents aren't altered post-signature. Many e-closing platforms offer audit trails , allowing you to trace every step of the signing process. This transparency provides peace of mind, as both parties can verify the authenticity of the documents and who accessed them. Additionally, digital storage of these documents reduces the risk of loss or damage compared to physical papers. Increased Efficiency and Speed E-closings significantly expedite closing, reducing the time to finalize real estate transactions. By eliminating the back-and-forth associated with mailing documents, closings can be completed more rapidly. This speed is particularly useful in competitive markets where timing can influence the success of a deal. Furthermore, e-closings streamline communication between all parties involved. Any changes or updates can be managed in real time, ensuring everyone stays informed and on the same page and reducing the likelihood of miscommunication. Environmentally Friendly Practices The shift from paper-based transactions to digital signatures contributes to more sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices . By minimizing the need for printed documents, e-closings help reduce paper use and the carbon footprint of transporting physical documents. This eco-friendly approach is becoming increasingly important to clients conscious of their environmental impact. By adopting digital solutions, you contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying the benefits of modern technology. Cost Savings E-closings can also lead to significant cost savings. By reducing the need for physical resources such as paper, printing, and postage, you can cut down on these expenses. Additionally, the increased efficiency of digital processes can save on administrative and labor costs. Moreover, fewer errors occur in digital processing, reducing costs associated with correcting mistakes commonly encountered in manual paperwork processing. Conclusion: As the real estate industry evolves, embracing e-closings and digital signatures represents a move towards greater efficiency, security, and convenience. At True Concept Title Company, we are committed to leveraging these technologies to enhance your closing experience. Whether buying or selling, consider opting for an e-closing to enjoy its many benefits. Ready to experience the convenience of e-closings and digital signatures? Contact True Concept Title Company today to learn how we can simplify your home transaction process with the latest digital solutions. Embrace the future of real estate with us!