Services

Abstracting

Abstract Guaranty's role is to examine the County land records to obtain information regarding the title to the property being purchased. The information is placed in chronological order and presented in an approved form so that an attorney can render an opinion as to the marketability of the title. The abstract is the history of the land as shown by county records.

We realize every buyer has a choice as to which abstracting company will be selected to handle their transaction. Everyone has the right to shop around for the price they want and the people with whom they want to do business. Abstract Guaranty takes pride in the fact that our services are the best in town and our ability to accomplish the job is unsurpassed by any other company.

The most unique thing Abstract Guaranty can offer is our service. It's important to remember that Abstract Guaranty owns the most complete set of records in Pottawattamie County.

Our abstracts and title reports include:

• Whether the contract seller is the legal owner of the property.

• Whether the estate being purchased is the actual estate being conveyed. For Example: if the seller purports to convey the property in fee simple, and the property is actually subject to a land contract or a ground lease, the search will reveal this information if recorded.

• Whether existing restrictions, easements or right-of-ways (roads, public utilities etc.) may limit the buyers "use and enjoyment" of the property or grant rights to others who are not owners.

• Whether mortgages, judgments or other similar liens must be satisfied before "clear" title can be conveyed to the buyer.

• Whether property taxes and other public or private assessments have been paid

Title Search & Title Reports

A Title Report or Title Search is a "snap shot" of the title of a property as it is currently being held by the owner. Abstract Guaranty examines the County records and compiles the report. The report shows current titleholders, all outstanding mortgages, all outstanding judgments, taxes and current land assessments.

Deed Preparation; by a qualified attorney

A deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of a piece of property. Abstract Guaranty Company has agreements with several attorneys to prepare deeds as needed at very attractive fees.

Closing & Escrow Services

The current trend of lenders and real estate agents not closing real estate transactions in-house, encourages companies to enter the closing arena. As with any new trend, there are varying degrees of service that can be offered. Abstract Guaranty Company can provide complete closing services. Real estate closings require specific steps, culminating at the time parties come to the closing table. That's why Abstract Guaranty Company has excellent closers and the best management team. It must come together at the closing. No matter how skilled everyone is, if one person or department along the way doesn't do the job, whether it's the abstractor, attorney or closer, then it's a failure. We understand that and work to make sure failure is not an option. Every company would love to see all of the documents before closing that satisfy title requirements; however, there are going to be times when documents are delivered at closing, and the closing company must be staffed, to accept or decline those documents. Our employees are Abstract Guaranty's greatest assets.

Chains of Title

Our records are invaluable in showing us the proper chain of title for your property.

The chain of title is a link from owner to owner down through the years until it culminates with the current titleholder. We make sure every person who has an interest in the property, properly conveys that interest to the next person in title. We verify names on deeds, contacts and assignments. We check for deaths and divorces, all in an effort to make sure all have properly conveyed title.

Judgements & Foreclosures

Judgments are liens against property that could cost the new owner valuable time and money, if not found before the closing. We have a complete record of all judgment liens filed at the clerk of the court office, in our own title plant. This database is updated daily. This judgment database is searched for each and every titleholder and purchaser. We want to discover the problems before closing, not after the closing.

Unfortunately, foreclosures are part of our everyday life. Increased refinancing and purchases have brought a corresponding increase in foreclosures. We make sure all foreclosures are either released or satisfied before closing.

Attorneys

The increase in foreclosures has also caused us to increase the number of new abstracts created to help you through the foreclosure proceedings. We now have full time senior searchers working only on foreclosure abstracts. We are experts in pre-petition and post sheriff's deed abstracting proceedings.

Security Title Company

Abstract Guaranty Company is affiliated with Security Title Company in Omaha, Nebraska. Security Title provides Title Insurance, Deed Preparation and Closing Services for real estate transactions in Nebraska. Security Title Company is an agent for Stewart Title Insurance Company and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company.

Security Title Company is located at 15125 Evans Street, Omaha, NE 68116-6146 and is a member of the Nebraska Land Title Association.

Abstract Guaranty is a member of the Iowa Title Guaranty, the official title insurance provider in the State of Iowa. Only authorized attorneys and abstractors may provide this service to the public. Abstractors must have a title plant and be in good standing with the State of Iowa. Abstract Guaranty has been a member since inception of Iowa Title Guaranty.

Title Insurance

Abstract Guaranty Company is seeing a more sophisticated buyer every day. People want their investment protected, but don't always understand that the lender's title insurance does not protect the homeowner or understand the difference in an owner's and lender's policy; however, they want to be protected in the same way. Abstract Guaranty explains this at the closing table and suggests that buyers obtain owner's title insurance.Confidentiality is extremely important as well. With closings out of the lender's domain, people want to be assured that news of their "business" isn't leaked before the deal is completed. Abstract Guaranty's integrity and reliability is paramount. The confidentiality aspect of their business is something we take very seriously.

Notary Public

Abstract Guaranty has several people who are authorized notaries in both Iowa and Nebraska.

For Sale by Owner Packets

As more people elect to sell real estate individually, without the assistance of a real estate professional, we strive to make the process as simple and manageable as possible. Abstract Guaranty has assembled what we call a "For Sale by Owner Packet" that helps these individuals walk through the process.