In the early days of American real estate, buying property required help from a professional known as a “conveyancer.” These experts ensured that land was properly owned and free of outstanding debts. Today, title companies in Uptown New Orleans carry on that tradition with added services like title insurance. This insurance offers financial protection during real estate transactions if a title issue arises after closing.
A title is the official record of who owns a property. It outlines the property’s description, lists any current liens, and tracks past ownership. For instance, if you purchase a home using a loan, the lender’s interest becomes a lien recorded on the title. A title is not the same as a deed—the deed is the document you receive once the transaction is finalized and you officially become the new owner.
Their job is to confirm that a property title is clear and to offer insurance in case something was missed. Without this process, the true owner of a home could later appear and claim the property, potentially leading to legal disputes. A trustworthy local title company, like Crescent Title, can help prevent that by issuing title insurance and performing thorough research to verify ownership and other potential risks.
Crescent Title's abstractor will conduct thorough research of the property's title history in the courthouse to verify ownership and real estate taxes, obtain mortgage payouts, uncover apparent title deficiencies or encumbrances such as liens, judgments, which may be disclosed on the title report. Every title search is examined by an experienced attorney to ensure the proper procedures are followed.
Crescent Title also works with local third party property surveyors, who, for an additional charge, can at the request of a party prepare a survey of the property to confirm that a home occupies only the area indicated on the title, among other matters. After all, you don’t want to find out that the home is actually on someone else’s property or that a neighbor’s fence is actually on your own.
Title companies around Uptown New Orleans provide title insurance to parties in real estate transactions. Title insurance is a type of insurance policy that protects the policyholder (typically a homebuyer or lender) from financial loss in the event that there are defects or issues with the title to a property. These defects or issues may include claims of ownership by others, outstanding liens or judgments, undisclosed heirs, or other encumbrances that can affect the ownership or use of the property.
In Louisiana, it's typically the buyer of the property who pays for the title insurance policies of both the buyer and the buyer's lender. Thankfully, title insurance only needs to be paid once, unlike most other insurances. Clients will be covered under the title insurance policy for as long as they own the property.
Title companies in Uptown New Orleans help complete property sales efficiently and securely. Still, many first-time buyers or sellers have questions. Below are some of the most common inquiries we hear:
Although working with a title company isn’t a legal requirement, it’s strongly recommended—especially if you’re taking out a mortgage. Most lenders require it. Even cash buyers benefit from the protection and peace of mind that a local title company provides.
Title companies in Uptown New Orleans don’t have the legal power to remove liens themselves. However, they do help guide both sellers and buyers through negotiations to address any liens on a property. The decision to settle or remove a lien ultimately rests with the seller.
Buyers and sellers are both allowed to select the title company they wish to work with. They may choose to use the same company or different ones—there is no legal rule that requires using the same provider.
Reputable title companies in Uptown New Orleans, such as Crescent Title, may uncover issues like:
Crescent Title is committed to protecting clients’ real estate interests through expert title research and smooth closing services. With decades of experience and a proven track record, we proudly support buyers and sellers across Uptown New Orleans and surrounding communities. If you’re preparing for a real estate transaction and want the confidence that comes from working with professionals, reach out to Crescent Title today to get started.
A successful IRC §1031 exchange transaction requires planning, expertise and support. Crescent Title assists our clients by explaining the various types of exchanges, discussing the options that may minimize or eliminate any negative tax impact, and coordinating the exchange process. Laying the proper groundwork before entering into an exchange will avoid unnecessary obstacles and lead to a smooth transaction.