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Title insurance protects buyers and lenders by ensuring the property being purchased has a clear, marketable title. Unlike other forms of title evidence, title insurance provides broader protection — including against fraud, errors, and missed claims — and gives you peace of mind that your investment is secure.

A title insurance policy is a contract with a title company that, for a one-time premium, protects you against financial loss if someone challenges your ownership rights. If a valid claim arises, the title company provides legal defense and covers losses up to the policy amount.

Before issuing a policy, a title company provides a commitment. This document outlines what will be insured, lists current ownership, and notes any requirements or exceptions. It is valid for 90 days and ensures all parties know what must be resolved before closing.

It describes the property, names the proposed insured, identifies the current owner, and explains both coverage and exceptions. It also lists requirements that must be satisfied before a final policy can be issued.

A title search is a review of public records affecting the property. While it can reveal liens, mortgages, or easements, it does not guarantee accuracy — which is why a title insurance policy is needed for protection.

In Arkansas, it is customary for the seller to pay for the buyer's owner's policy, while the buyer pays for any lender's policy. However, this can vary and is always negotiable as part of the contract.

A lender's policy ensures that their loan is secured by a clear, enforceable lien on the property. It protects the lender's interest in case of defects or competing claims, and is often required before lending regulations allow the loan to proceed.

Yes. A lender's policy only protects the lender, while an owner's policy protects the buyer. For full protection, both are issued at closing. Fortunately, they can often be issued together at a reduced "simultaneous issue" rate.

No. Policies typically include standard exceptions and exclusions for things like pending liens or claims not recorded in public records. However, they still provide powerful protection against many common risks.

An owner's policy typically covers: undisclosed liens or defects in title, errors or omissions in public records, fraud, forgery, or incapacity of prior owners, lack of legal access to the property, and more. A lender's policy may add protections for loan enforceability and lien priority.

Title insurance will not cover: government regulations (zoning, environmental laws), eminent domain claims, rights of parties in possession not shown in records, unrecorded easements, mineral rights, or boundary disputes, and defects you knew about but did not disclose.

Yes. Exceptions can affect your right to use or resell the property. Reviewing them before closing ensures you understand issues like easements, restrictions, or outstanding liens.

Unresolved exceptions can limit property use, reduce value, or weaken a lender's security interest. Buyers should work with their title company to resolve or understand these issues before closing.

Yes. Many policies include arbitration provisions (disputes may be settled outside court) and coinsurance requirements (if significant improvements increase property value, you may need to increase coverage).

No. Unlike other forms of insurance, title insurance is purchased once at closing and lasts as long as you own the property. An owner's policy even continues to cover you after you sell, if a later claim arises from your period of ownership.

At a closing, all parties involved in a real estate transaction come together to sign the final documents, transfer funds, and officially transfer ownership of the property. Our team ensures all documents are properly executed and all conditions of the sale are met.

A typical closing appointment takes about one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the transaction. However, the preparation leading up to the closing—including title search, document preparation, and coordination with all parties—begins well in advance.

You should bring a valid government-issued photo ID, any required funds in the form of a cashier's check or wire transfer as instructed, and any documents your lender or closing agent has requested. We will provide specific instructions before your closing date.

Escrow is a neutral third-party arrangement where funds, documents, and other assets are held during a real estate transaction until all conditions of the sale are satisfied. The escrow agent ensures that both buyer and seller meet their obligations before completing the transfer.

Escrow protects all parties in a real estate transaction by ensuring that funds and documents are exchanged only when all conditions are met. This prevents one party from taking advantage of another and provides a secure, structured process for completing the sale.

Founded in 1963, Citizens Title & Closing has proudly served Searcy, White County, and the surrounding area for over sixty years. Our dedicated team of abstractors and closing agents maintains a full historical record of property titles — from the original patents to today. We believe in building lasting relationships with our community, delivering dependable service, safeguarding your investment, and making sure every client feels confident at the closing table.

We primarily serve Searcy, Arkansas and the surrounding White County area. Our deep roots in this community give us unparalleled knowledge of local property records and real estate practices.

You can submit a title order through our online Order Form on this website. Simply fill in the required information about the buyer, seller, property, and transaction details. A member of our staff will review the details and follow up with you to confirm next steps.