Resources
Guides, glossary, and helpful links for buyers, sellers, lenders, and landmen in West Texas.
Home Buyer's Guide to Title
Buying a home is one of the largest investments you'll make. Understanding the title process helps you close with confidence.
Why You Need Owner's Title Insurance
A lender's title policy protects the bank — not you. An owner's title insurance policy is a one-time premium that protects your investment for as long as you own the property. It covers hidden defects such as forged documents, undisclosed heirs, errors in public records, and more.
What Happens at Closing
At closing, you'll sign the deed, mortgage documents, and settlement statement. The title company coordinates the transfer of funds, records the new deed with the county clerk, and issues your title insurance policy. Our team walks you through every document so you understand what you're signing.
Understanding the Chain of Title
A chain of title is the history of ownership for a property going back to the original patent. A clear chain of title means every transfer was properly recorded and no gaps or defects exist. Our abstract plant allows us to trace title history quickly and accurately.
Typical Closing Costs
Closing costs typically include the title search fee, title insurance premium, recording fees, and any prorated taxes or HOA dues. Your lender will provide a Loan Estimate outlining expected costs. Contact our office for a quote specific to your transaction.
Title & Real Estate Glossary
Abstract of Title
A condensed history of the title to a parcel of land, summarizing all recorded instruments affecting the property from the original grant to the present.
Chain of Title
The sequence of historical transfers of title to a property, from the original owner to the present owner.
Deed
A legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one party (grantor) to another (grantee). Must be recorded with the county clerk to provide public notice.
Easement
A right to use another person's land for a specific purpose, such as a utility line or access road. Easements are typically recorded and run with the land.
Encumbrance
Any claim, lien, charge, or liability attached to and binding upon real property, such as a mortgage, judgment lien, or easement.
Lien
A legal claim against a property as security for a debt or obligation. Common liens include mortgage liens, tax liens, and mechanic's liens.
Mineral Rights
The ownership rights to underground resources such as oil, gas, coal, and other minerals. Mineral rights can be severed from surface rights and sold or leased separately.
Title Insurance
Insurance that protects the holder from financial loss arising from defects in title to real property. Unlike other insurance, it protects against past events rather than future ones.
Title Search
An examination of public records to determine the history of ownership of a property and identify any claims, liens, or encumbrances that may affect the title.
Run Sheet
A chronological listing of all instruments of record affecting a specific tract of land, used primarily in oil and gas title work to establish ownership of mineral interests.
External Resources
Texas Department of Insurance
Regulates title insurance in Texas. Find consumer guides, rate information, and complaint resources.
Texas General Land Office
Manages state-owned lands and mineral rights. Useful for researching state leases and patents.
Reagan County Appraisal District
Property valuations and ownership records for Reagan County, Texas.
Texas Secretary of State — UCC Search
Search Uniform Commercial Code filings and other state-level records.
Have Questions? We're Here to Help.
Our team in Big Lake is happy to answer questions about the title process, closing costs, or property research in West Texas.