Title and Escrow Services | PALUMBO LAW
In any Rhode Island real estate transaction, a clear title and a secure escrow process are essential to protecting your investment. At PALUMBO LAW, we assist buyers, sellers, lenders, and investors with comprehensive title and escrow services to ensure your transaction is legally sound and your interests are protected from contract to closing.
Whether you are purchasing your first home or involved in a complex commercial deal, our team offers the legal insight and diligence needed to manage title issues, escrow funds, and closing documentation in compliance with Rhode Island law.
What Is a Title Search—and Why It Matters in Rhode Island
A title search is the legal examination of public records to confirm the legal ownership of a property and to identify any encumbrances, claims, or defects that could impact your rights as a buyer. In Rhode Island, a thorough title search typically includes:
- Reviewing the chain of title to ensure all transfers of ownership were valid
- Checking for liens, judgments, and unpaid property taxes
- Verifying the absence of easements, encroachments, or restrictive covenants
- Ensuring there are no pending divorce, probate, or bankruptcy actions affecting ownership
Rhode Island law requires that any unresolved title issues be addressed prior to closing to protect all parties involved. At PALUMBO LAW, we conduct in-depth title reviews and resolve any complications to help ensure a clean transfer of ownership.
Common Title Issues We Help Resolve
Title defects can delay or derail a transaction. Common issues we regularly resolve include:
- Outstanding mortgages or liens that have not been satisfied
- Boundary disputes between neighboring properties
- Missing heirs or previous owners not properly removed from the title
- Clerical errors in recorded documents, such as misspelled names or incorrect legal descriptions
- Forged or fraudulent documents in the chain of title
Our legal team works proactively to resolve title defects before they become a legal obstacle to your purchase or sale.
What Is Escrow?
Escrow is a neutral process in which a third party holds funds and documents on behalf of the buyer and seller until all contractual conditions are met. In Rhode Island, escrow services are a standard part of real estate closings.
At PALUMBO LAW, we manage the escrow process with care and precision. This includes:
- Holding earnest money deposits in compliance with Rhode Island regulations
- Ensuring title contingencies and other conditions of the purchase and sale agreement are satisfied
- Coordinating with lenders, real estate agents, and other parties
- Preparing and reviewing closing documents
- Disbursing funds only after all requirements are fulfilled
Proper escrow management helps ensure a smooth and secure closing, minimizing the risk of disputes.
Title Insurance: Essential Protection for Rhode Island Property Owners
Even with a thorough title search, some risks may not be discoverable, such as undisclosed heirs, forged documents, or mistakes in public records. That’s why title insurance is essential in any Rhode Island real estate transaction.
There are two main types:
- Owner’s Title Insurance: Protects the buyer’s ownership interest against future claims or title defects
- Lender’s Title Insurance: Required by most mortgage lenders to protect their financial interest in the property
At PALUMBO LAW, we help clients secure and understand their title insurance policies, ensuring full protection and peace of mind after the transaction is complete.
Why Work With PALUMBO LAW for Title and Escrow Services?
- Local Knowledge: We are well-versed in Rhode Island real estate laws, local title customs, and county recording procedures.
- Attorney Oversight: Unlike many title companies, we provide direct legal guidance throughout the title and escrow process.
- Risk Reduction: Our firm actively identifies and resolves legal and transactional issues before they become major problems.
- Full-Service Representation: We coordinate with buyers, sellers, lenders, and agents to ensure a seamless transaction from start to finish.
Whether you’re closing on a residential home or a commercial property, you deserve experienced legal counsel to safeguard your investment.
Contact PALUMBO LAW for Title and Escrow Assistance in Rhode Island
At PALUMBO LAW, we are proud to offer trusted title and escrow services across Rhode Island. From resolving complex title issues to ensuring a secure closing process, our legal team provides the clarity and protection you need during real estate transactions.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your property rights and streamline your next transaction with confidence.
