Buying a home in South Tampa’s 33629 ZIP code is an exciting milestone, but the purchase involves more than finding the right house, negotiating the price, and getting through the inspection. One of the most important—and sometimes misunderstood—parts of the transaction is title insurance.
After more than 40 years of combined real estate experience, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz of The Lewkowicz Group have seen firsthand how important it is for buyers to understand what they are actually purchasing when they take ownership of a property. In a market like 33629, where buyers are often investing significantly in established homes and desirable neighborhoods, protecting that ownership matters.
What Exactly Is Title Insurance?
Think of the title as your legal right to own and use the property. Before closing, a title professional searches public records to identify potential issues that could affect ownership. These could include unpaid taxes, liens, easements, judgments, prior mortgages, recording problems, or even an undisclosed claim from an heir of a previous owner.
“Buyers tend to focus on the physical condition of the home,” Emeri Lewkowicz explains. “But we also want them to understand that they are purchasing a legal interest in the property. The title search helps uncover problems that may not be visible during a showing or home inspection.”
That distinction is particularly important with established South Tampa properties, where a home may have changed hands several times over the years.
There Are Two Types of Title Insurance
Buyers will generally encounter two policies: an owner’s policy and a lender’s policy.
The lender’s policy protects the mortgage lender’s financial interest in the property and is typically required when financing a purchase. An owner’s policy protects the buyer’s ownership interest against covered title defects and claims.
Joe Lewkowicz often reminds buyers not to confuse the two: “Your lender wants protection for its loan, but you should also think about protecting your investment and your rights as the homeowner.”
An owner’s title policy is generally a one-time premium rather than an annual expense, and coverage can remain in effect for as long as you or your heirs own the property, subject to the policy’s terms, conditions, and exclusions.
Who Pays for Title Insurance in Tampa?
This is an important point for buyers to discuss early. Who pays for title insurance and who selects the closing agent can depend on the contract and local practice. Florida law allows either the buyer or seller to purchase the policies, so buyers should not assume that one party automatically pays in every transaction.
Emeri and Joe encourage their clients to look beyond simply asking, “How much is title insurance?” Instead, understand what the title commitment says, what issues were discovered, what has been cleared, and what exclusions apply.
What Should a 33629 Buyer Ask Before Closing?
Before signing, ask your real estate and closing professionals:
- Has the title search been completed?
- Were any liens, judgments, easements, or other title issues discovered?
- Have all identified issues been resolved or properly addressed?
- Am I purchasing an owner’s title insurance policy?
- What does the policy cover—and what does it exclude?
- Who is responsible for the title-related costs under my contract?
- Have I reviewed my Closing Disclosure and title documents carefully?
The Florida Department of Financial Services specifically recommends that consumers understand and agree with the terms of their Closing Disclosure before signing it.
Protecting Your South Tampa Investment
For Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz, successful home buying is about more than getting an offer accepted. It is about helping clients understand the entire transaction so they can move into their new South Tampa home with confidence.
“After decades in this business, we know that the details matter,” says Joe. “Title insurance may not be the most exciting part of buying a home, but it can be one of the most valuable protections you have.”
Whether you are buying your first home in 33629, moving up to a larger South Tampa property, or purchasing an investment, The Lewkowicz Group can help you understand the process from contract to closing—and make sure you know the right questions to ask along the way.
Title insurance policies contain specific terms, conditions, and exclusions. Buyers should review their individual policy and closing documents with their title professional or attorney.
