Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are your fees for the services you provide?

Lakeside Title provides a detailed breakdown of fees associated with your transaction. For an estimate, use our Quote Tool for buyers and a Seller Net Sheet for sellers. These tools help you understand the costs involved, including title search, settlement, document preparation, and any additional charges for your specific transaction. Our team is happy to explain the breakdown further if needed.

2. How do I safely send or receive money for my real estate transaction?

Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, protecting your funds is critical! Wire fraud is a growing threat in real estate transactions worldwide, so it is essential to follow secure procedures in partnership with your settlement officer.

For Buyers and Borrowers: Lakeside Title will never send wire instructions via email. We provide secure instructions through a verified method, and you should always confirm details directly with your settlement officer using a trusted phone number before sending any funds.
For Sellers: At closing, we partner with CertifID to securely transfer your proceeds through a verification process. This is to ensure your funds are protected from fraudsters. Lakeside Title will never send you wiring instructions via email.

For more ways to protect yourself and explore the reality of wire fraud, visit our Wire Safety Guide.

3. What is title insurance, and why do I need it?

Title insurance protects you from potential financial loss due to defects in the title that might arise after the closing, such as unpaid property taxes, unknown heirs, or fraudulent claims of ownership. It provides peace of mind by covering unforeseen problems that could surface even years after a transaction.

Visit our Resource Center for more information.

4. How will I know if my closing is on track?

You’ll be kept up-to-date by your settlement officer and processing team at Lakeside Title. We provide ongoing communication to ensure you know when to expect key milestones and to confirm the details of your closing date, location, and required documents. You can also check the status of your closing using Rover, your personalized 24/7 virtual assistant, to quickly find out any information. Here you can also see a Closing Roadmap to better understand where you are in the process.

5. How should I prepare for closing, and what can I expect?

What do I bring?

A valid government-issued ID
A second form of ID (e.g., insurance card, AAA card, membership card, or credit card)

What can I expect?

Buyers and borrowers will sign loan documents and review final settlement details.
Sellers will sign documents transferring ownership and receive their proceeds.
Closing typically takes about an hour, depending on the complexity of the transaction.

6. What are my signing options for closing?

Lakeside Title offers flexible signing options to accommodate your needs:

In-Person Signing: Meet with a settlement officer at one of our offices to sign documents.
Remote Online Notarization (RON): Sign documents electronically from anywhere using our secure platform (if eligible).
Mail-Away Closing: If you can’t attend in person, we can send documents for notarization and return.

7. What discounts or credits can I get as a buyer in Maryland?

In Maryland, there are several programs designed to help buyers save money, this includes

First-Time Homebuyer Credit: A tax credit for first-time buyers purchasing a property in Maryland as their primary residence.
Homestead Tax Credit: Limits property tax increases for homeowners who occupy the home as their principal residence.
Other Property Tax Credits: Includes credits for disabled veterans, first responders, public safety employees, and teachers, for those meeting income requirements.

8. What documents from closing will I need for my taxes?

After closing, you’ll receive a settlement statement that outlines all costs associated with the transaction. This document will be crucial for tax purposes, as it provides details on property taxes, interest paid, and other deductions. You may also need a copy of your deed and mortgage documents for your tax filings. It’s always a good idea to consult a tax professional.

9. What other services does Lakeside Title offer to assist in my real estate transaction?

Lakeside Title and its affiliates “Lakeside Law Firm” & “Lakeside Exchange” offers a wide range of services to ensure your transaction goes smoothly, including residential or commercial title and settlement services, real estate fraud protection through CertifID, and 1031 exchange services. Our team supports every aspect of your real estate transaction, from start to finish.

To see a complete list of all services from Lakeside affiliates, explore our Services Quick-Guide.

10. What if I need to make any changes to a deed after closing?

If you need to make changes to your deed after closing, such as adding or removing a name, Lakeside Law Firm can assist with drafting and recording the necessary documents. Contact our team for guidance on the process to ensure the changes are made and recorded properly.