Distinctive Title Services |

Welcome

Distinctive Title Services, Inc. began in 2004 in Wellington, Florida and is a full service, licensed title agency dedicated to providing exceptional title insurance and real estate closing services to realtors, lenders, builders and individuals within Florida. While specializing in Palm Beach County, we also handle all other counties in Florida and provide a title closer to accommodate our clients.

We are committed to establishing new standards of excellence in the title industry and believe the customers’ convenience matters by providing the time and place of the closing determined by our clients. Our expert service team has decades of experience and create a superior service experience for our clients and pride themselves in making lifetime customers.

You are invited to explore our website to acquaint yourself with our services and visit our Facebook page and Google our reviews. Please feel free to contact us with any questions, get additional information or to receive a quote for your sale, purchase or refinance.

Exceeding Your Expectations!

Our Services

Our Services Include:

Residential Real Estate Closings
Commercial Real Estate Closings
Refinance Closings
Title Insurance Policies

Property Searches
Lien Searches
Tax Record Searches
Property Information Reports

Why Title Insurance?

The process of conducting an actual closing and the issuance of a title insurance policy insures your ability to later sell the property and receive its fair market value. It is only through a careful title search that it can be determined that the property is free and clear of all encumbrances and other matters which may affect your legal ownership. The issuance of an owners’ title insurance policy, for a one time reasonable premium, insures that your title is “marketable” and you will stand protected from loss or damage as a result of any title defects. A mortgagee policy provides similar protection to your lender.

The actual issuance of the title insurance policy is one of the final steps in the “closing” process. Prior to that time, the property title must be searched and examined for any outstanding liens and encumbrances which may adversely impact upon your interest or your lender’s mortgage. The final papers and figures must be prepared. A “closing” will then be arranged where all parties meet to finalize the transaction. Thereafter, certain papers must be recorded in the public records so that the transaction is properly documented.

“It can be ruff buying or selling a home, but we make it easy!”

FAQ’s

What is a title?

A title is the foundation of property ownership. It is the owner’s right to possess and use the property.

Why is transferring the title to real estate different from transferring the title to other items, such as a car?

Because land is permanent and can have many owners over the years, various rights in land (such as mineral, air or utility rights) may have been acquired by others by the time you come into possession of it, even if the land has never before been built upon. So in order to transfer a clear title to a piece of land, it is first necessary to determine whether any rights are outstanding.

What is a title search?

A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. These records include deeds, court records, property and name indexes, and many other documents. The purpose of the search is to verify the seller’s right to transfer ownership, and to discover any claims, defects and other rights or burdens on the property.

What kinds of problems can a title search reveal?

A title search can show a number of title defects and liens, as well as other encumbrances and restrictions. Among these are unpaid taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller and restrictions limiting the use of the land.

Are there any problems that a title search cannot reveal?

Yes. There are some “hidden hazards” that even the most diligent title search may never reveal. For instance, the previous owner could have incorrectly stated his or her marital status, resulting in a possible claim by a legal spouse. Other “hidden hazards” include fraud and forgery, defective deeds, mental incompetence, confusion due to similar or identical names and clerical errors in the records. These defects can arise after you’ve purchased your home and can jeopardize your right to ownership.

What is title insurance?

Title insurance is your policy of protection against loss if any of these problems – even a “hidden hazard” – results in a claim against your ownership.

How much could I lose if a claim is filed against my property?

That depends on the claim. In an extreme case, you could lose your entire home and property – and still be liable to pay off the balance of your mortgage. Most claims aren’t that dramatic, but even the smallest claim can cost you time, money and aggravation, and you may have to pay costs for a legal defense.

How does title insurance protect my investment if a claim should arise?

If a claim is made against your property, title insurance will, in accordance with the terms of your policy, assure you of a legal defense – and pay all court costs and related fees. Also, if the claim proves valid, you will be reimbursed for your actual loss up to the face amount of the policy.

The owner of the property has a deed. Isn't that proof of ownership?

Not necessarily. A deed is just a document by which the right of ownership in land is transferred, whatever that right may be. It’s not proof of ownership, and it doesn’t do away with rights others may have in the property. In addition, a deed won’t show you liens or claims that may be outstanding against the title.

The owner of the property I want to purchase has lived in the home for only six months. He had a title search done six months ago. Why do I need another one?

Because the owner could, in a very short time, do many things to encumber the title. For example, he could grant easements or construct improvements that encroach on adjacent property. It is necessary to conduct an up-to-date title search to uncover any such problems.

If the builder of my home already has title insurance on the property, why do I need it again when I purchase the land from him?

A title policy insuring the builder does not protect you. Also, a great many things could have happened to the land since the builder’s policy was issued. Liens, judgments and unpaid taxes for which prior owners were responsible may be disclosed after you purchase the property – causing you aggravation and costing you money.

Are there different types of title insurance policies?

Yes. Basically there are two different types of policies – a loan policy and an owner’s policy. The loan policy protects the lender’s interest in the property as security for the outstanding balance under the buyer’s investment or equity in the property up to the face amount of the policy. (Title insurers in many states offer increased policy coverage through inflation endorsements to cover increases in value due to inflation.)

How long does my coverage last?

For as long as you or your heirs retain an interest in the property and, in some cases, even beyond.

Our Staff

Bebe

Company Mascot

Mary P. Gretel

President

[email protected]

Maggie Walsh

Escrow Officer

[email protected]

Denise Waites

Escrow Officer

[email protected]

Kristin Tinnelly

Closing Coordinator

[email protected]

Resources

The following link resources are listed to possibly be of assistance to you and you will be leaving the distinctivetitle.com domain and entering external links.

These links provide additional information that may be useful or interesting. However, we cannot attest to the accuracy of information provided by these links. Providing links to a non-Distinctive Title Services website does not constitute an endorsement by us or any of our employees or the information or products presented on our site.

Local: