Resources

Florida closing resources in plain English.

Helpful guidance for buyers, sellers, Realtors, lenders, and investors navigating title insurance, escrow, closing, wire safety, and common Florida real estate closing questions.

Guides

Understand the closing before closing day.

Clear education helps every party move faster, ask better questions, and avoid last-minute surprises.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance helps protect against certain covered issues tied to ownership history, liens, public record errors, fraud, forgery, missing signatures, undisclosed heirs, or other title defects.

What does escrow mean?

Escrow involves holding and disbursing funds according to the settlement file, closing instructions, lender requirements, and applicable transaction documents.

What happens at closing?

Parties sign documents, funds are verified, settlement figures are finalized, and recording/disbursement steps are completed as applicable.

Why does title clearance matter?

Title clearance helps resolve items that may prevent a buyer or lender from receiving acceptable title at closing.

How do I protect my wire?

Verify wiring instructions by phone using a trusted number before sending funds. Treat changed instructions as suspicious.

Who should I call with questions?

Contact Mariner Title Co or the licensed professionals involved in your transaction for guidance specific to your file.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What does a title company do?

A title company coordinates title search, clearance, escrow, settlement, signing, recording, disbursement, and title insurance-related steps for a real estate transaction.

Why is a title search important?

A title search reviews public records and related information to identify ownership, liens, judgments, taxes, restrictions, mortgages, and other matters that may affect title.

What is the difference between owner and lender title insurance?

Owner title insurance is intended to protect the buyer’s ownership interest against covered title risks. Lender title insurance is generally required by a lender to protect the lender’s security interest.

When should I verify wiring instructions?

Always verify before wiring funds, especially if instructions change, arrive by email, or create urgency. Use a trusted phone number that you independently verified.

What can delay a Florida closing?

Common issues include association estoppels, unresolved liens, payoff delays, missing signatures, lender conditions, open permits, tax issues, and incomplete transaction information.

Can Mariner Title Co give legal advice?

This website provides general information only. Legal questions should be directed to a qualified attorney or other appropriate licensed professional.

Florida closing topics

Common issues that deserve early attention.

Association documents

Condominium and homeowners association items can affect timing, payoffs, estoppels, and closing requirements.

Open permits and municipal items

Local requirements, open permits, utilities, taxes, and municipal searches may need attention depending on the property and county.

Estate or authority issues

Trusts, estates, powers of attorney, company sellers, divorce, and probate-related matters may require extra documentation.

Ready to start a file?

Open a title order or contact our Stuart, Florida office for next steps.

Local Florida guides

Title and closing pages built for local search.

These landing pages give buyers, sellers, Realtors, and lenders more specific guidance around Stuart, Martin County, Palm Beach County, title insurance, escrow, and the Florida closing process.

Florida Closing Process

A plain-English guide to the title order, title search, escrow, signing, recording, and disbursement process.