When you’re buying a home or refinancing a property in Ohio or Indiana, a location report can protect your investment and keep your closing on track. While title insurance does not always require a location report, without a valid Mortgage Location in Ohio or a Surveyor Location Report (SLR) in Indiana, your title insurance may not cover any problems that would have been revealed by a survey.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects buyers and lenders against potential legal claims or disputes over a property’s title – the legal right to own, use or sell property. During the title search, the title company searches public records to determine the property’s ownership status and to find – and remedy, if possible and necessary – any ownership issues.
Title insurance protects from unforeseen legal and financial title discrepancies, as well as the costs, attorney’s fees, and expenses of defending against those defects insured by the policy. Likewise, title insurance can protect a homeowner from financial loss if the sale of the home falls through due to a covered defect in the property’s title.
There are two different types of title insurance – an Owner’s Policy and a Lender’s Policy. An Owner’s Policy is purchased to protect the home buyer, while a Lender’s Policy is purchased on behalf of the lender before the home loan is issued. Both types of title insurance policies ensure a clean and clear title, protecting the insured from the financial and legal burdens of unforeseen title issues.
Before issuing a policy, the title company needs to confirm that:
- The property is accurately described
- There are no encroachments or easement issues
- No boundary disputes are likely to arise
And that’s where a land survey becomes essential.
How a Survey Supports Title Insurance
A land survey, specifically location reports, provides a clear picture of the property, including its boundaries per a provided legal description, improvements (like fences or buildings), easements, and potential encroachments. Old surveys, fences and trees, or even the previous landowners’ assurance do not establish the assurance required to secure a title policy; only a land survey can do that.
In both Ohio and Indiana, a Mortgage Location or SLR is commonly required as part of the title review process. These are cost-effective, document-based location reports, reviewed and signed by a licensed surveyor, that verify key information to help the transaction move forward smoothly. Without this information, title insurance providers may not be able to confidently issue a policy—or may exclude coverage for certain survey related issues.
McSteen proudly serves all of Ohio and currently 24 counties in Central Indiana. We know the requirements of each state to provide the highest quality product, delivered on time and with care.
A professional survey is a critical part of protecting your ownership rights. At McSteen, we empower lenders, title teams, and property owners with fast, accurate surveys—so every deal across Ohio and Central Indiana moves forward with confidence. Our team backed by licensed surveyors ensures:
- Mortgage Location and Surveyor Location Reports that meet lender and title requirements
- Fast turnaround times to keep your transaction moving
- Support if questions arise throughout the transaction or at the closing table