What is title insurance and why do I need it?

Title insurance is a policy that protects property owners and lenders from financial loss due to defects in the title, such as liens, encumbrances, or ownership disputes that may not have been discovered during the title search. In Illinois, title insurance is a standard part of most real estate transactions. River Valley Title issues policies through Old Republic Title, one of the nation's most trusted title insurance underwriters, providing both owner's and lender's policies with standard ALTA endorsements.

What counties does River Valley Title serve?

River Valley Title is headquartered in Bourbonnais, Illinois, and serves Kankakee County, Iroquois County, Will County, Cook County, DuPage County, McHenry County, Grundy County, Livingston County, and Ford County. We can close at our Bourbonnais office or send a mobile notary to your preferred location anywhere in our service area.

How long does a title search take?

A standard title search and examination typically takes 5 to 10 business days, depending on the complexity of the property's history and the county in which it is located. River Valley Title offers tract searches, GIS/tax map retrieval, and tax payment history verification to ensure clear and marketable title before closing.

What is the difference between an owner's policy and a lender's policy?

An owner's title insurance policy protects the buyer's equity in the property for as long as they or their heirs own it. A lender's title insurance policy protects the mortgage lender's interest in the property up to the outstanding loan balance. Most real estate transactions in Illinois require a lender's policy, and buyers are strongly encouraged to also purchase an owner's policy for full protection. River Valley Title provides both types through Old Republic Title.

Can River Valley Title close at a location other than your office?

Yes. While we have a comfortable closing room at our Bourbonnais office at 586 William R Latham Senior Dr, Suite 8, we also offer mobile notary services and can send a notary to close at your home, your real estate agent's office, or any other convenient location throughout Kankakee County and surrounding areas.

What is a tract search?

A tract search is a detailed examination of public records related to a specific parcel of land. It traces the chain of title, identifies any liens, judgments, easements, or encumbrances, and confirms the legal description of the property. River Valley Title also provides GIS/tax maps and tax payment history as part of our comprehensive title research services.

How do I place a title order with River Valley Title?

You can place a title order online through our secure order form at rvtco.com/order-title, by emailing support@rvtco.com, or by calling us at (815) 216-4400 during business hours Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Our team will guide you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way.

How do I send earnest money to River Valley Title?

River Valley Title provides a secure online portal for submitting earnest money deposits at rvtco.com/em. You can also deliver earnest money via wire transfer or bring a check to our Bourbonnais office. Contact us at (815) 216-4400 or support@rvtco.com for wire instructions or any questions about the earnest money process.

What is a net sheet and how can I use it?

A net sheet is an estimate of the proceeds a seller will receive or the costs a buyer will pay at closing. River Valley Title offers a free online net sheet calculator at rvtco.com/netsheet that allows buyers, sellers, and real estate agents to quickly estimate closing costs, title insurance premiums, transfer taxes, and net proceeds for Illinois real estate transactions.

What should I bring to my closing?

You should bring a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license or passport), any documents your lender or real estate agent has requested, and a certified or cashier's check if applicable. If you are the seller, you should also bring all sets of keys, garage door openers, and any HOA documents. River Valley Title will provide you with a detailed checklist before your closing date so you know exactly what to expect.