Who is typically responsible for obtaining title insurance in a real estate transaction?

In a real estate transaction, the responsibility for obtaining title insurance typically falls on the buyer. This is because title insurance is designed to protect the buyer's interest in the property against any potential claims or issues that might arise from the property's title history. When a buyer purchases a home, they want to ensure that they are receiving clear title — meaning there are no outstanding liens, disputes, or other encumbrances on the property.

The buyer usually selects the title company or attorney to conduct the title search and issue the title insurance policy, ensuring that all aspects of the title are clear before finalizing the purchase. Additionally, the title insurance helps the buyer mitigate risks associated with ownership, providing peace of mind regarding future claims or legal challenges.

In some cases, sellers may choose to cover the cost of title insurance as part of negotiations during the transaction. However, it is the buyer’s responsibility to secure and pay for title insurance as a means of protecting their investment in the property.