Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Stewart Abstract for my title insurance and settlement?

With over 35 years of experience, we offer professional, personalized service backed by strong industry partnerships — making your real estate transaction smooth and secure.

What sets your service apart?

Clients appreciate our knowledgeable team, timely communication, and ability to handle both simple and complex title matters with care and precision.

Do you serve both residential and commercial transactions?

Yes — we provide title insurance and settlement services for residential purchases, commercial closings, refinances, and more across Berks and surrounding counties.

How do you ensure clear communication throughout the closing process?

We prioritize frequent updates and transparent guidance at every step — from title search and documentation through closing and settlement.

What if I have questions or unique title concerns?

Our experienced team, including in-house searchers and examiners, are available to address questions, review documents, and assist with complex scenarios.

Do I have to attend the closing in person?

That depends. Cash deals: We are able to offer several different options to e-sign, mobile notaries and mail-away packages.  We can also discuss your options for remote online notary services.  Mortgages involving a lender often require wet signatures which need to be in-person.

What is a Title Insurance Company?

A title insurance company is a specialized firm that protects property buyers and lenders from financial loss due to defects in a property’s title. This company ensures that the legal ownership of a property is clear and free from disputes before the transaction is finalized.

What Risks Does a Title Insurance Company Cover?

Title insurance companies cover risks such as undisclosed liens, forged documents, errors in public records, unknown heirs, and boundary disputes. These issues, if unaddressed, could affect the property’s ownership and lead to costly legal challenges.

What Services Do Title Insurance Companies Provide?

These companies perform thorough title searches, examine public records, and verify ownership to identify any potential issues. They also issue title insurance policies that protect buyers and lenders against future claims or title defects discovered after the property purchase.

How Does a Title Insurance Company Protect Homebuyers?

By conducting diligent research and providing insurance coverage, title insurance companies safeguard homebuyers from unexpected claims or legal problems linked to the property’s title, offering peace of mind and financial protection.

When Is It Necessary to Use a Title Insurance Company?

Using a title insurance company is essential during real estate transactions to verify ownership and secure protection against title defects. It is particularly important when obtaining a mortgage, as lenders typically require title insurance to mitigate their risk.

What is FinCEN?

FinCEN (the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. It works to safeguard the financial system by preventing money laundering and other financial crimes.

What is the new FinCEN real estate rule?

The new Anti-Money Laundering (AML) rule requires certain residential real estate transactions to be reported to FinCEN. The rule is designed to increase transparency in transactions involving legal entities and trusts.

What types of transactions are affected?

The rule generally applies to certain non-financed residential property transfers where the buyer is a legal entity (such as an LLC, corporation, or partnership) or a trust. Traditional financed transactions involving a mortgage lender are typically excluded.

What information may need to be reported?

For qualifying transactions, specific information about the property, the buyer entity, beneficial owners, and the transaction details may need to be collected and reported to FinCEN.

Who is responsible for reporting?

In many cases, the reporting obligation will fall on the settlement or title professional involved in the transaction, depending on the structure of the closing.

Will this change the closing process?

There may be additional documentation or information requests for certain transactions. Stewart Abstract is preparing in advance to ensure any new requirements are handled efficiently and with minimal disruption.

What should buyers or sellers do now?

If you are purchasing property through an LLC, corporation, partnership, or trust, be prepared to provide additional ownership information beginning March 1, 2026. Your Stewart Abstract team will guide you through the process if your transaction qualifies.

What is a title, lien, escrow, and all of these odd terms?

We have an alphabetical glossary of helpful terms to understand in the title and settlement field. Please peruse these definitions and PA Title Insurance Endorsement Explanations if you come across unfamiliar words or endorsement numbers.

Why do your title officers need my SSN?

For some of our services, we may need to request your Social Security Number. This is because in many cases, we will be completing and submitting forms on your behalf. Some of those forms require your SSN, and so we will need your SSN to complete the documents quickly and efficiently.

This is standard for reputable title insurance companies in Berks County. We do take security measures to ensure your SSN is used only for the necessary purposes. If you have any concerns about your SSN when working with us, please bring it up to your title officer.

While you might be able to sell your property to a friend or business partner, it is important that you take several factors and risks into account.

Reasons to choose a title officer:

• Your title officer helps ensure you take the latest laws and policies into account.
• They will help catch any missed paperwork and ensure it is completed and submitted correctly.
• Your title officer has experience completing many types of sales, and so they are less likely to make a mistake and more likely to complete your transaction efficiently.
• You want to be confident that the matter is settled completely, and that no surprises will pop-up in the future.

Before Your Settlement: DO & DON’T Closing Checklist

Brought to you by Stewart Abstract of Berks County – Your Trusted Settlement Partner

❌ DON’Ts – What to Avoid Before Closing

• Don’t make big purchases
  Put off buying furniture, cars, or appliances—these can affect your loan approval.
• Don’t open or close credit accounts
  Even small changes to your credit can delay your mortgage process.
• Don’t change jobs or employment status
  Lenders need consistent income. Any changes can complicate final approval.
• Don’t deposit large sums of cash
  Unverified deposits can raise red flags. Always check with your lender first.
• Don’t skip bills or make late payments
  A missed payment could hurt your credit right before closing.
• Don’t change your marital status
  Getting married or divorced affects how your loan and title are handled.
• Don’t ignore your lender
  Respond quickly to document requests to keep everything on schedule.

✅ DOs – Smart Moves to Keep Closing on Track

• Stay in close contact with your lender and agent
  They’re your go-to for any questions or changes.
• Keep your finances steady
  Now’s the time to stay consistent with spending, income, and credit use.
• Ask before making any major changes
  If you’re unsure whether something could affect closing—just ask!
• Choose a trusted settlement team
  Stewart Abstract of Berks County is here to guide you every step of the way.

For more details about the DOs and DON’Ts of settlement, read about these 7 Critical Things You Should Never Do.