Resources for Residential and Commercial Titles in Louisiana

Helpful Q&A About Real Estate Closings

The title refers to the document of legal ownership for the property and the use of the property.
The chain of title refers to the record or history of property title ownership from the present owner back to the original owner.
A title search is a review of all recorded documents affecting a specific property to determine the present condition of the title.
Title insurance protects real estate owners and lenders against any property loss or damage they might experience because of liens or defects in the property’s title.
A title defect refers to a title that has a publicly-recorded lien, mortgage or judgment on the property the title represents and therefore, the title is not a “clean title.”
Liens are like mini-mortgages placed on the property to force the property owner to pay a debt. Any liens on the property must be paid before the land can be sold.
An escrow is a financial arrangement where a third party holds and regulates payment of the funds between two parties pending the fulfillment of the transaction, making the transactions more secure.
A closing is the final step of the real estate transaction process where all legal documents are signed, fees paid and the ownership property is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer.
At the final stage in a real estate transaction, or the closing, a closing agent assures that all documentation, including sale related documents and loan/mortgage documents for the entire transaction, are completed and signed properly, including the title search and title insurance.
The staff at Gulf Coast Title want to make the closing process as easy as possible, so we have included our tips based on our expertise and experience.

Closing Tips

Secrets to a smooth closing

  • Call when you have a question or concern
  • Inform us of any possible issues affecting title, such as changes in marital status, probate, liens, etc…
  • Eliminate delays in funding by staying in touch with your lender
  • Be sure to furnish all required documents prior to closing
  • Promptly provide payoff information on your existing loans and Social Security numbers, if needed
  • Notify us immediately if you choose to use a Power of Attorney, since both the lender and our legal staff must approve it
  • Choose a Homeowner’s insurance company as soon as possible. Let us know your agent’s name and phone number at least five days prior to closing.
  • Remember to bring your driver’s license and a cashier’s check payable to the title company in the amount your lender has stated is needed to close.
Call Gulf Coast Title Inc. today for your next closing! 225.295.8222

Contact Gulf Coast Title

We’ve assisted many residents, business owners, real estate agents, and financial institutions in greater Baton Rouge and all surrounding areas.