By Counsellors Title Agency | New Jersey Title Insurance Experts
As housing affordability continues to challenge families across the country, the causes go far beyond rising mortgage rates. The real issue lies in the limited supply of housing and the regulatory barriers that make development difficult.
The Trump administration has already begun exploring potential solutions — including the possibility of opening certain federal lands for residential development — as part of a broader effort to ease affordability pressures.
At Counsellors Title Agency, we share the same goal: to make homeownership more accessible, especially for first-time buyers. But achieving that goal requires understanding one of the most overlooked components of a safe and successful home purchase — title insurance.
Title Insurance: A Foundation for a Secure Real Estate Market
Every real estate transaction relies on trust, transparency, and legal certainty. Title insurance plays a dual role in maintaining that balance:
- For homeowners, it ensures that their property ownership is legally protected from hidden issues.
- For lenders, it secures the financial foundation of the mortgage loan, providing confidence that the title is clear and marketable.
Without title insurance, both homebuyers and lenders would face unnecessary risk — jeopardizing not only individual investments but also the stability of the broader housing market.
What Title Insurance Really Does
Many homebuyers think title insurance is just a simple records check. In reality, it represents extensive investigative work that safeguards your ownership for as long as you own the home. A title professional examines public records, identifies potential red flags, and works to resolve issues before closing. On average, title professionals spend more than 22 hours per transaction clearing items such as:
- Unpaid property taxes or liens
- Boundary or survey disputes
- Recording errors or omissions
- Undiscovered heirs or claims
- Fraud or forgery of documents
Once issued, a title insurance policy protects homeowners against losses from undiscoverable defects that could surface years later — covering legal defense costs and financial damages if property ownership is ever challenged.
The Title Industry: A Backbone of Local Economies
Across the United States, more than 155,000 title professionals work diligently to keep the real estate system secure — and 90% of them operate through small businesses like Counsellors Title Agency.
Our work doesn’t end at the closing table. If a problem arises later, title insurance ensures that homeowners have professional support and financial protection in their corner.
In just the past five years, the title industry has paid nearly $2.9 billion in claims to defend property rights. The cost to resolve these claims can range from $26,000 for common issues to over $143,000 for complex cases like fraud and forgery — a growing concern in the digital age.
Keeping Costs Low Through Innovation
Despite rising operational costs in most sectors, the average cost of title insurance has decreased by 5% in recent years, thanks to innovations in technology and process improvements.
Compared to other long-term homeowner expenses, title insurance remains a one-time cost — yet it provides protection that lasts for as long as you own your home. It’s one of the most affordable and valuable investments you can make during the homebuying process.
Balancing Affordability and Protection
At Counsellors Title Agency, we believe affordability and protection go hand in hand. As policymakers explore new ways to make homeownership more attainable, maintaining safeguards like title insurance is essential.
We are committed to participating in conversations that address housing affordability without compromising homebuyer protection or increasing risk in the real estate market.
We’re hopeful that smart, balanced policies — supported by strong closing practices and consumer education — will pave the way for a more stable and accessible housing future.
Your Partner in Secure Homeownership
Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a real estate professional, or a lender, Counsellors Title Agency is here to help you navigate your transaction with confidence.
✅ Learn more about our New Jersey title and closing services.
✅ Contact us today to see how we can protect your most important investment — your home.
📞 Call: (732) [914-1400
🌐 Visit: www.counsellorstitle.net