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Property Ownership TransferTitle_insurance_nyHARD

Jennifer Adams purchased a historic brownstone in Brooklyn, NY, with title insurance. One year later, the city claims a portion of her property for a street widening project that was authorized by a resolution passed two years before her purchase, but not recorded in the public records until after her purchase. The taking reduces her property value by $75,000. What is the most likely outcome regarding her title insurance coverage?

Correct Answer

A) Coverage may apply because the government's right to take existed before policy issuance but was not recorded

This presents a complex title insurance issue. Since the government resolution authorizing the taking existed before the policy was issued but was not recorded in the public records, this could be considered an undiscovered title defect that title insurance might cover, depending on the specific policy language and circumstances.

Answer Options
A
Coverage may apply because the government's right to take existed before policy issuance but was not recorded
B
No coverage because eminent domain actions are excluded from all title policies
C
Full coverage because government takings are always covered by title insurance
D
Coverage depends on whether she received adequate compensation from the government

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Deep Analysis of This Property Ownership Transfer Question

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Background Knowledge for Property Ownership Transfer

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

title_insuranceeminent_domaingovernment_takingrecorded_rights

Related Concepts

A bargain and sale deed implies that the grantor holds title and possession of the property but does not include warranties against encumbrances or title defects.

The chain of title is the sequential history of all transfers of ownership for a specific property, from the original source (typically a government patent or grant) to the present owner. An unbroken chain is essential for marketable title.

The closing process, also called settlement, is the final step in a real estate transaction where documents are signed, funds are disbursed, and title is officially transferred from the seller to the buyer.

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