🎉 Waltz reaches $50M💰 in funding to support LATAM growth 🎉 Read the full story here
Signing the contract is just the start. In real estate, ownership isn’t official until the title is clear.
Buying property in the United States involves more than just finding the right home or securing financing. It also means confirming that your ownership is legally sound and protected from future disputes. That’s where title companies come in. These behind-the-scenes experts make sure that every transaction is legitimate and secure. They verify ownership records, manage escrow funds, and handle the paperwork that turns an accepted offer into full ownership.
For those investing remotely, this protection is especially valuable. Let’s take a closer look at what title companies do and how they work with lenders like Waltz to help international investors close confidently.
In U.S. real estate, a title represents the legal right to own and transfer a property. It’s not a physical document but rather the collection of rights that prove ownership.
A deed, on the other hand, is a legal document that transfers the title from one party to another. When you buy property, the deed is recorded with your name, confirming your ownership.
For investors, having a clear title is crucial. It verifies that no one else can make a legal claim to your property and confirms there are no hidden liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes that could jeopardize your investment later on. Without it, lenders won’t approve financing, and you might face delays or even legal action after closing.
A title company is a neutral third party that works on behalf of both the buyer and the lender to make sure a real estate transaction is properly documented and legally binding, giving buyers and lenders confidence that the property is free of disputes at closing.
Title companies handle responsibilities such as:
For international investors, title companies are particularly vital. First and foremost, they ensure compliance with U.S. property laws. They also protect your investment and facilitate communication across borders. Many title firms work closely with lenders who specialize in foreign buyers (like Waltz) to make the process as smooth as possible.
The title company typically steps in after your purchase offer is accepted and your mortgage or refinancing application is underway. From that point, the company works closely with your lender, agent, and sometimes your attorney to prepare for closing. During this stage, the title company will:
When you work with Waltz, much of this coordination happens behind the scenes. We partner with trusted U.S. title companies and acts as a liaison between you, the lender, and the title team. This partnership ensures your ownership from day one and simplifies the entire experience, even when you’re abroad.
While every title company’s process varies slightly, most perform a series of key tasks designed to protect both the buyer and the lender.
The title company reviews decades of public records, including previous deeds, mortgages, court judgments, and tax records, to verify that the seller is the rightful owner. They also look for potential issues such as outstanding loans or liens. Even unpaid homeowners' association fees will show up.
If they uncover problems (for example, a lien from a past contractor or an unknown heir with inheritance rights), they’ll work to resolve them before the sale can proceed. This is often referred to as “clearing title.”
In some cases, the title company or a surveyor will verify the property’s boundaries and physical features. This prevents disputes with neighbors and ensures that structures like fences, driveways, and sheds don’t encroach on someone else’s property.
After confirming the title is clear, the company issues two types of insurance:
Title insurance is typically a one-time premium paid at closing and remains in effect as long as you own the property. It’s one of the most effective ways to safeguard your investment.
The title company also assists in establishing the ownership structure of the property: individually, jointly with a spouse or partner, or through an LLC. For international investors, selecting the appropriate ownership structure is essential because it can greatly influence liability and estate planning.
The closing process involves several parties – buyer, seller, lender, and agents – all signing and exchanging documents within a short period. The title company oversees each step: reviewing contracts, gathering signatures, recording the deed, and completing the transfer of ownership.
To ensure funds are handled securely, the title company manages an escrow account that holds all payments related to the transaction. These payments could include loan proceeds, down payments, taxes, or fees. Once all conditions are met, the company disburses the funds to the appropriate parties.
Finally, the title company prepares all necessary legal documents for the transaction, including the deed, settlement statement, and lender paperwork. Once the closing is complete, these documents are officially recorded with the local government. This makes sure that your ownership is part of the public record.
For international investors, the title company is one of the most valuable partners in the entire real estate process. Here’s why:
When purchasing property in the U.S., the closing process involves a complex series of steps: financing, legal verification, insurance, and document recording. A title company handles those steps in order, with accuracy and security. At Waltz, we work closely with local U.S. title companies to ensure the process runs smoothly.
Purchasing a property overseas should feel exciting, not stressful. By working with us and our network of trusted title companies, you can invest with confidence, knowing your ownership is protected and your closing is handled with precision.
Take the next step with Waltz for a seamless U.S. property purchase.
Fill out a quick form and we'll get back to you shortly.
