Fundamentals of Title Insurance, Second Edition

What exactly is title insurance for a property? What does it do? What does it mean? Fundamentals of Title Insurance, Second Edition explains the basic elements of title insurance and gives attorneys and real estate professionals practical knowledge and tools they need to best counsel and protect their clients.Intended as a broad yet thorough overview, Fundamentals of Title Insurance explains what title insurance means, what it can and cannot do, and what the parties in a real estate deal can ask for in a transaction. Written in an accessible, user-friendly manner, this guide provides examples, practice pointers, charts and checklists throughout the text to explain key points. The author, general counsel for a nationwide title insurance company and a leading industry expert, covers all relevant topics, beginning with a general background of title insurance, its variations and common features, and typical title insurance coverage and issues. Additional topics include: What is title insurance, and why should consumers obtain it Explanations of the 2006 ALTA Loan Policy and the 2006 ALTA Owner's Policy The expanded coverage residential loan policy When to secure a short form title policy Title insurance requirements of government-sponsored enterprises and agencies, such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Regulation of rate and forms Types of endorsements and which ones to request Marked-up commitments, pro forma policies, and extended coverage Closing protection letters Guidance for retention limits and reinsurance in commercial transaction Specialized title insurance products, guarantees, and other products

About the Author

James L. Gosdin is Chief Underwriting Counsel for Amtrust Title Insurance Company. Jim has underwritten title insurance transactions throughout the United States, reinsurance transactions, and international title insurance transactions. Jim received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Texas with high honors and his Juris Doctor with honors from the University of Texas School of Law. He is a member of the Order of the Coif and Phi Beta Kappa. Jim is Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in farm and ranch, commercial, and residential real estate. Jim is a member of the American Land Title Association Forms Committee. He also serves on the State Legislative and Regulatory Action Committee. Jim is a member of the American Bar Association, the Texas Bar Association and the Houston Bar Association. He is also a member of the Texas Title Standards Joint Editorial Board. (TLTA). Jim was named the 1998-1999 Title Person of the Year by TLTA. Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Mortgage Attorneys and is a member of the American College of Real Estate Lawyers. Jim is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbell's Peer Review Ratings.