Statement of Information Explained

When a title company searches public records for liens, judgments, and other matters affecting title, names matter — a lot. A Statement of Information is a form routinely requested from the buyer, seller, and borrower in any transaction where title insurance is sought. It provides the title company with the information needed to distinguish you from other people with similar names.

You will be asked to provide your full name, social security number, year of birth, birthplace, and citizenship information. If married, the date and place of your marriage will be requested. Residence and employment history are also required, as is information about previous marriages if you are divorced.

Every day, documents affecting real property — liens, court decrees, bankruptcies — are recorded in public records. When the title company finds a recorded document with a name the same as or similar to a buyer, seller, or borrower, they must determine: does this document affect the parties we are insuring? Without a Statement of Information, the title company would have to list all matching items as exceptions from coverage — which most lenders would find unacceptable.

If you have a common name — Smith, Johnson, Garcia, Martinez, Lee — it is especially important to complete and return the Statement of Information promptly. Failure to provide the requested information will, at best, delay production of your title policy. At worst, it could prevent your escrow from closing.

All information supplied is completely confidential and used only by the title company to complete the records search necessary before a policy of title insurance can be issued. Team Goeglein at Fidelity National Title ensures every Statement of Information is processed quickly and confidentially across all South Bay and Westside LA transactions.