Page 2 - Homeowners Manual - Sonoma County
P. 2

Table of Contents










        Table of Contents                                                                                           i
        Contact Information                                                                                        ii
        Old Republic Title                                                                                         1
        WHY OLD REPUBLIC TITLE?                                                                                    1
        Services We Provide                                                                                        3
        Financial Ratings                                                                                          4
        ESCROW                                                                                                     5
        What is Escrow?                                                                                            5
        How Does Escrow Work?                                                                                      6
        Escrow Process                                                                                             7
        ‘Know Before You Owe’ Mortgage Disclosure Terms                                                            8
        Top 10 Things Consumers Should Know About the Closing Process                                              9
        Showstoppers                                                                                              12
        Beware of Wire Fraud                                                                                      13
        PRELIMINARY REPORT                                                                                        14
        Preliminary Reports — Some Basics                                                                         14
        TITLE INSURANCE                                                                                           17
        What is Title Insurance and How Does It Work?                                                             17
        32 Covered Risks for the Homeowner’s Policy                                                               19
        Comparison of Title Coverage                                                                              22
        Frequently Asked Questions About Title Insurance                                                          23
        Common Ways of Holding Title                                                                              25
        California Concurrent Co-ownership Interests                                                              27
        CLOSING COSTS                                                                                            28
        Examples of Additional Closing Costs                                                                      28
        California Closing Costs                                                                                  29
        Common Property Taxes                                                                                     31
        Property Tax Calendar                                                                                     33
        FIRPTA Withholding Rule                                                                                   34
        REAL ESTATE DICTIONARY                                                                                   35
        SONOMA UTILITIES                                                                                         45
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