The duties of this office will consist generally of:

• An examination of the land and court records to determine if title to the property is good and marketable
• Review of the house location survey (if applicable) to determine if there are any encroachments, projections or mislocated fences that effect title
• Payment of all liens filed against the property to clear the title
• Review of the tax records and payment of any unpaid taxes
• Payment and adjustment of any condo or H.O.A. dues
• Preparation of the title insurance commitment of your lender
• Preparation of the title insurance policies
• Preparation of the documents required to convey the title to you
• Review and completion of the loan closing documents
• Preparation of the HUD-1 Settlement Statement, incorporating the lender's fees and charges and any other adjustments between the parties under the terms of the contract
• Conduct the settlement, reviewing and explaining the documents to be signed
• Recordation of the Deed, the lender's Deed of Trust, and other related documents, in the public land records
• Disbursement of funds and payment of invoices received from service providers

Important points to remember:

1. A house location survey is required by your new lender if the property you are purchasing is a single family home.
2. The lender will also require a termite inspection report.
3. Your lender will also require a fire and hazard or homeowner's insurance policy with a one-year paid receipt, before settlement, for single family home purchases.
4. Upon receipt of a copy of your Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs prepared by your loan officer, we will prepare an estimated HUD-1 Settlement Statement that more closely determines the amount of funds required for settlement.  You must provide a cashier's or certified check payable to "Stewart Title" or payable to you for endorsement, for the estimated amount.  A personal check will be acceptable for any miscellaneous adjustments.  If your cashier's or certified check is in an amount that is more than required, we will immediately refund the difference.