What Is Title Insurance? Understanding Encroachments and Property-Line Problems

by Niki Shelton

Most homebuyers encounter the term title insurance while writing an offer or preparing to close, but
many are not sure what the policy does or why it matters. Homeowners may also live with a fence,
driveway, landscaping, shed, or other improvement for years before discovering that it crosses a
property line.

In this episode of Keeping It Real, I spoke with Brenda Rogers, VP, Kitsap County Manager and Senior
Title Officer, and Christina Namauleg from Land Title Company of Kitsap County in Silverdale. We
used two practical scenarios to explain title insurance and encroachments in a way buyers and
homeowners can understand.

The first scenario follows a buyer writing an offer on a home. We discuss when buyers receive title
insurance, what it may protect against, whether it is a one-time purchase or an ongoing expense, and
the different types of title insurance involved in a real estate transaction.

The second scenario involves two neighbors, a fence, new flowers, and a property marker. The fence
had intentionally been installed inside one owner's property line, which meant that the other
neighbor's flowers were actually planted on property she did not own. This became a useful example
for discussing what an encroachment is, how property-line issues are discovered, and what a
homeowner should do before the situation becomes a larger dispute.

We also discuss whether title insurance may become involved, what happens when an encroachment
existed before the current homeowner purchased the property, and how an unresolved boundary
issue can affect a future home sale.

These questions are particularly relevant in Kitsap County, where buyers and homeowners may
encounter older properties, irregular lot lines, rural acreage, waterfront parcels, long-standing
fences, shared driveways, and improvements installed by previous owners.

Watch the full conversation here:

Every title or boundary situation is different. When a concern arises, begin by gathering accurate
information and consulting the appropriate title, survey, real estate, or legal professionals. If you're
planning to buy or sell a home in Bremerton, Silverdale, Poulsbo, Port Orchard, or elsewhere in
Kitsap County, contact me for honest guidance through the real estate process.

Niki Shelton | Real Broker | NikiSHouses.com | 360-710-4742

#nikishouses #KeepingItReal #TitleInsurance #Encroachment #PropertyLines #KitsapRealEstate
#KitsapCountyRealEstate #HomeBuyingTips #HomeSellingTips #RealBroker