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The Title Industry Takes a Global View With Google Earth
The objective of title insurance remains the same as it has always been – helping the parties in real estate transactions to determine their rights and interests, and assuring that land transfer is expeditious and secure. Protecting the parties involved in real estate transactions is the reason the title insurance product was developed.
 
The claims experience in the real estate industry has always been a major concern of title insurance companies and agents. A successful title claim can be devastating for real estate buyers, their attorneys, and their insurers. Today the title industry has access to some great technology tools and as their capability grows, so does their applicability, which includes uses in preventing claims.
 
Google Earth™ and other similar aerial/satellite view websites are great tools to use to prevent title claims.  When questions or concerns arise regarding matters shown on surveys or plats, examiners can turn to these websites for more information or verification.  The specificity and clarity these websites provide can help title examiners clearly ascertain the position or existence of buildings, fences, sheds, driveways and other items that pose title risks due to encroachments on easements, set back lines and property lines. In one case, a quick check of Google Earth’s satellite view of the property showed a dirt road running behind all the homes along a lake which alerted the examiner to a possible easement that wasn’t listed elsewhere.

Even if the title examiner doesn’t have questions or concerns regarding the survey or other plat-type drawing, a quick review of Google Earth can confirm the accuracy of the survey.  For example, an examiner reviewing a 20-year-old survey can quickly check to see if there are any additions not shown on the survey. Even if an affidavit or other statement of no changes is provided with the old survey, the review of Google Earth or other similar website provides additional protection for the title agent and title underwriter against survey and encroachment claims.      

In states where a survey or other plat-type drawing is not required or commonly used, these websites can help a title examiner determine many facts about the property, including: confirmation of access, the existence of an abutting body of water, and the existence of encroachments and easements. Whether a survey exists or not, Google Earth and other similar websites help title examiners determine whether exceptions need to be taken as to access, encroachments, and easements, which helps prevent title claims.  
 
The title insurance industry continues to provide security to real estate investors, especially as rapid and dramatic developments drive the real estate market. Finding technology solutions like Google Earth that help protect that investment is one of the ways the title insurance industry is looking to the future.

Adapted from an article by Douglas D. Danielson, Vice President, Midwest Agency Manager and Regional Underwriting Counsel for Title Resource Guaranty Company.

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