When you’re buying a home in Staten Island or South Brooklyn (103xx / 11209 / 11214 / 11228), closing the deal isn’t just about the loan, the contract and moving in. One of the critical pieces is title insurance - often seen as a closing cost, but really functioning as your long-term protection. Let’s dive in to what it actually covers and why it matters locally.

Title Insurance Defined

Title insurance is a one-time premium you pay at closing, and it protects you (the homeowner) and/or the lender against certain defects in the property’s title that weren’t discovered before closing. Department of Financial Services+2nyslta.org+2 In New York, the policy remains in force as long as you or your heirs own the property. nyslta.org+1

What It Covers and What It Doesn’t

Covers:

• Forgery or fraud in the chain of title (e.g., someone impersonated a seller) Zillow+1

• Undisclosed liens, unpaid taxes or judgments tied to previous owners that weren’t discovered in the title search. nyslta.org

• Unknown heirs claiming ownership, mis-indexed or missing records. nyslta.org

Does Not Cover:

• Physical condition issues of the property (foundation defects, roof leaks, mold) - that’s what your inspection covers. theownteam.com

• Zoning changes or future value-loss from market shifts.

• Known issues that were noted in exceptions of the policy or disclosed before purchase.

Why It Matters for Buyers & Sellers in Staten Island & Brooklyn

In our local market of older homes, multi-owner histories, mixed usage and legacy construction, title risks may be higher than average. Having an owner’s title insurance policy ensures you’re covered not just for immediate issues, but for long-term title claims. When you work with me, we’ll confirm you have the right policy (owner’s + lender’s where applicable) and that the exceptions are acceptable given your property.

—

Joseph Ranola | Five-Star Staten Island & South Brooklyn Realtor® (30 + Google reviews)
Associate Broker · Matias Real Estate | Founder · Bridge & Boro Team
Serving 103xx and 11209 / 11214 / 11228 | $25 M + closed volume
📞 917-716-1496 | ranolarealestate.com