A calm, clear guide for home buyers.
Buying a home is a big deal, and the paperwork can feel overwhelming. This is your plain-English guide to title, escrow, closing costs, and staying safe from wire fraud.
Plain English
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects your right to own your home against problems from its past, like an unpaid lien, a forged signature, or a missing heir. It is a one-time cost at closing that lasts as long as you own the home. A lender's policy protects the bank; an owner's policy protects you.
- Owner's policy protects your ownership and equity
- Lender's policy protects your mortgage lender
- One premium at closing, coverage for as long as you own
Plain English
What is escrow?
Escrow is a neutral third party that holds the money and documents until every condition of the sale is met. It means neither you nor the seller has to take the other on faith. We make sure the funds are accounted for and the deed is recorded correctly before anyone gets paid.
- Your earnest money is held safely, not by the seller
- Every condition is checked before funds release
- You can watch your file's status in our secure portal
Protect your funds
How to protect yourself from wire fraud.
Real estate wire fraud is one of the fastest growing scams in the country. Criminals send fake wiring instructions that look real. The rule is simple: never trust wire instructions from an email or text. Always call your Keystone escrow officer at a number you already have on file to verify before you send a dollar.
- We will never email or text you new wire instructions
- Always call to verify before wiring funds
- If anything feels off, stop and call us right away
Your closing-day checklist.
- Before
Verify your wire
Call us to confirm wiring instructions in person or by a phone number you already have. Never use contact details from an email.
- Bring
A valid photo ID
Every person signing needs a current, government-issued photo ID for the notary.
- Bring
Certified or wired funds
Cashier's check or a verified wire for your cash-to-close amount. We will confirm the exact figure in advance.
- At signing
Ask questions
Your escrow officer will walk through each document. There are no dumb questions, so ask about anything you do not understand.
- After
Keep your policy
Store your owner's title insurance policy with your important papers. It protects you for as long as you own the home.
Buyer questions, answered.
Do I need an owner's title insurance policy if the lender already requires one?
The lender's policy only protects the bank's loan, not your equity. An owner's policy is the one that protects you, and it is a one-time cost that lasts as long as you own the home.How much are closing costs?
Closing costs vary by price, loan, and location. Our closing cost guide breaks down the typical line items, and we are happy to prepare a personalized estimate for your specific purchase.What happens if a problem shows up in the title search?
We resolve it before closing. Most issues, like an old lien or a clerical error, are cleared by our team quickly, and we keep you informed the whole way.
Ready when you are
Have a question about your closing?
Reach a real Keystone escrow officer. We are happy to explain anything, before or after you are under contract.
