Lenders Title Policy

[Mike Hartzog]

Question for the private money lenders.  Do you typically take out a lenders title policy when you lend?  If so, I could use a reference to a title company or two that offers lenders policies at reasonable rates.

[Leonard L.]

@David Mitro

 I would say not absolutely necessary in this case.  An owner's policy insures title to owner.  A lender policy insures, basically, ability to foreclose and retain that priority.  Basically, did the title company screw up and miss a senior lien that would remain if the insured lender foreclosed.  That is what lender policy is insuring against.  

If you are close to relative (in terms of trust) then there should be no question of foreclosure priority.  If you do not repay, deal is presumably you make whole somehow (eg, voluntary transfer of title, etc).  If there is a title defect, the owners policy should in effect cover both of you in this circumstance.  On other hand, if relative says s/he wants same assurances/security a 3rd party lender would have, then a title policy would be appropriate.