Aristocrat Title Glossary of Terms

 Local regulations controlling land use, building type, and development.

Wire Fraud

A real estate fraud scheme where criminals attempt to intercept funds by impersonating parties in the transaction and providing fake wire instructions.

What this means for you: Always call our office to verify wire instructions before sending any funds to ensure they are legitimate and secure.

Secure Wire Instructions

Official wiring directions provided directly by the title company. Legitimate instructions never change by email.

What this means for you: If wire instructions appear to change, stop immediately and call our office. Any change is a red flag for fraud.

Call‑Back Verification

A security practice requiring parties to call a verified title company phone number to confirm wiring instructions before sending funds.

What this means for you: Expect us to confirm wire details with you directly. This protects you from fraudulent transfers.

Phishing

Fraudulent emails designed to trick recipients into revealing personal information or diverting funds.

What this means for you: Do not click unfamiliar links or share personal information through email. When in doubt, call us to confirm communications.

Earnest Money Wiring

Funds sent electronically to secure the purchase. Must follow secure instructions and verification steps.

What this means for you: Always verify instructions with our office before wiring earnest money to ensure accuracy and protection.

Good Funds Law (Indiana)

State law requiring verified funds. Wires required for amounts over $10,000; cashier’s checks permitted only below that threshold.

RON (Remote Online Notarization)

Digital notarization allowed when lender permits, with identity verification protections.

What this means for you: You may sign securely online when allowed, offering convenience while maintaining safety and identity protection.

Escrow Security

Internal systems and controls used by title companies to protect client funds and sensitive information.

 A criminal attempt to steal closing funds through fraudulent communication.

A deed guaranteeing clear title and the seller’s legal right to transfer ownership.

The process of evaluating title risk before issuing insurance coverage.

A national insurance company that provides financial backing for title policies issued by local title companies. Aristocrat Title proudly partners with Stewart Title and AmTrust Title, ensuring reliable coverage and peace of mind.

A review of public records to confirm ownership and identify issues.

Insurance protecting against losses from title defects, undisclosed heirs, fraud, or recording errors.

Additional policy coverage for specific commercial risks.

 An issue that may affect legal ownership.

A document issued before closing outlining the conditions required to issue title insurance.

Legal proof of ownership to a property.

Funds provided by a landlord to customize leased commercial space.

A report showing property tax status and outstanding amounts.

A seller’s statement confirming no boundary-affecting changes have occurred.

A professional measurement verifying property boundaries and improvements.

 Charges paid to record legal documents.

The process of officially filing real estate documents with the county to make them part of public record.

 A deed transferring ownership without guaranteeing clear title.

A secure digital platform used by Aristocrat Title to manage closings, share documents, and communicate safely with clients, REALTORS®, and lenders. Qualia helps ensure compliance with wire fraud prevention and data protection standards. (See also: Wire Fraud Prevention Notice)

Qualia is the leading cloud-based title & escrow platform used by top firms nationwide.

Allocation of property taxes, HOA dues, and other expenses between buyer and seller at closing.

A legal document allowing someone to sign on another person’s behalf.

 A recorded map showing property boundaries, lots, and streets.

An initial assessment reviewing historical use and conditions to identify contamination risk.