Question 1

What does a title agency actually do?

Accepted Answer

We examine the public record for the property, identify liens, judgments, easements and other matters affecting title, resolve what can be cleared, issue title insurance through an underwriter, and coordinate the closing and recording.

Question 2

How is a title insurance premium calculated?

Accepted Answer

Premiums are based on the insured liability amount using a bracketed rate schedule, not an hourly rate. A lender's policy issued at the same time as an owner's policy is usually charged at a simultaneous-issue rate.

Question 3

Do you handle both New York and New Jersey closings?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Practice differs between the two states — including who typically runs the closing and which searches are customary — and our team works within the local convention for each jurisdiction.

Question 4

What do you need to open a file?

Accepted Answer

The property address, transaction type, contract or loan figures, the parties involved and the target closing date. Anything missing we will request early rather than at the end.

Question 5

Is Hudson Titles a law firm?

Accepted Answer

No. We are a title agency. We do not provide legal advice and nothing on this site creates an attorney-client relationship. We regularly work alongside the attorneys representing the parties.

Question 6

Is title insurance required?

Accepted Answer

A lender's policy is typically required when a purchase or refinance is financed because it protects the lender's interest. An owner's policy is separate and protects the owner's interest.

Question 7

How much does title insurance cost?

Accepted Answer

Premiums are generally calculated from the insured liability amount using the applicable rate schedule. You can run a preliminary estimate with our title cost estimator.

Question 8

What happens on closing day?

Accepted Answer

The parties execute the applicable documents, funds are collected and disbursed in accordance with the settlement statement, and documents are submitted for recording as applicable.

Question 9

What can delay a closing?

Accepted Answer

Common items include outstanding payoffs, open permits, judgments or liens, survey issues, missing lender conditions and documents that require correction.

Question 10

How do I order title for a home purchase?

Accepted Answer

Submit the property and transaction details through our order form and our team will open the file and confirm next steps.

Question 11

Can my attorney or agent order on my behalf?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attorneys, agents and lenders regularly open title files on behalf of their clients.

Question 12

Do you handle commercial transactions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Commercial title and closing services are available for transactions in our service area.

Question 13

Can you support multi-parcel deals?

Accepted Answer

Multi-parcel and multi-jurisdiction transactions can be coordinated. Share the details and our team will confirm scope.

Question 14

Does a prior title policy affect my premium?

Accepted Answer

If available, prior policy information may affect the applicable title premium on certain transactions. Eligibility will be verified by the title team.

Question 15

What if an old mortgage still appears on title?

Accepted Answer

A previously satisfied mortgage that still appears of record is a common requirement and is generally addressed with the appropriate discharge or corrective documentation.

Question 16

What is a title search?

Accepted Answer

A review of recorded information relating to a property, used to identify ownership and matters that affect title.

Question 17

What is a lien?

Accepted Answer

A recorded claim against property, often securing payment of a debt or obligation, which generally must be addressed in connection with a transfer or refinance.

Question 18

When will I receive my policy?

Accepted Answer

Policies are issued following closing once applicable requirements and recording items are completed.

Question 19

Can I get a copy of my closing documents?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Contact our team with the property address and closing date and we will assist.

Question 20

Do I need owner's title insurance?

Accepted Answer

An owner's policy protects the owner's interest, subject to the policy terms. It is separate from the lender's policy and is generally recommended for buyers.

Question 21

Can I open a title file on behalf of my client?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Attorneys can open files directly through the order form or by contacting the title team.

Question 22

Can I refer a client for an estimate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The estimator is available to anyone, and our team follows up if the client requests an exact quote.

Question 23

Do you work with lender portals?

Accepted Answer

Share your process and our team will confirm how orders and documents should be exchanged.

Question 24

Can you handle multiple closings in a project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Project-based work can be coordinated so each sale follows a consistent process.

Question 25

Can I close in an entity name?

Accepted Answer

Entity purchases are common and require applicable entity documentation as part of the title requirements.

Question 26

Do you service all of New Jersey?

Accepted Answer

Share the property address and our team will confirm coverage for your transaction.

Question 27

Do you service all five boroughs?

Accepted Answer

Share the property address and our team will confirm coverage for your transaction.

Question 28

Do you handle multi-family property in Queens?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Multi-family and mixed-use transactions are regularly handled.

Questions we get every week.

Ready when you are.