Everything You Need to Know… Title & Escrow with Christie Tjong | SLO County Real Estate Podcast

If you’ve ever bought or sold a home, you’ve probably heard the terms title insurance and escrow—but do you really know what they mean? In this episode of SLO County Real Estate with Hal Sweasey, we’re diving deep into the often-overlooked yet crucial world of title and escrow with Christie Tjong, County Manager for Fidelity National Title in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties.

With thousands of closed escrows under her belt, Christie is an industry veteran who’s seen it all. She breaks down the complexities of title insurance, why it’s essential, and how her team works behind the scenes to protect homebuyers from costly surprises. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a seasoned investor, or a real estate professional, this episode is packed with must-know information, including:

✅ The Role of Title Insurance – What it is, why you need it, and how it safeguards homeowners from unexpected claims, unpaid debts, and even fraud.
✅ How Escrow Works – The step-by-step process that ensures a smooth, secure property transfer.
✅ Real Estate Fraud & Wire Scams – A growing threat in today’s digital world. Learn how scammers impersonate escrow officers and trick buyers into wiring their life savings to fake accounts—and how to protect yourself from becoming a victim.
✅ What Does a “Clean Title” Really Mean? – The deep research that goes into ensuring a home is free of liens, unpaid taxes, or ownership disputes before it changes hands.
✅ Holding Title: What You Need to Know – The different ways to legally own property and how your decision can impact inheritance, taxes, and legal rights.
✅ The Rise of Fraudulent Land Sales – A shocking trend where scammers attempt to sell vacant land they don’t actually own. Discover how title companies and law enforcement are working together to stop these schemes.

📌 BONUS: Tips for a Hassle-Free Closing! Christie also shares expert advice on navigating escrow smoothly, what buyers and sellers should watch for, and why no question is ever too small when it comes to real estate transactions.

💬 Have questions about buying or selling a home? Drop them in the comments below!
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🔗 Learn more about Fidelity National Title: fidelitycc.com

Don’t let hidden issues derail your real estate dreams! 🏡 Tune in now to get the knowledge and confidence you need to navigate the wildly exciting world of title and escrow!

#RealEstate #SLOCounty #TitleInsurance #Escrow #HomeBuying #RealEstateFraud #HalSweasey #FidelityTitle

Have your question featured on an episode of the SLO County Real Estate Podcast by texting it to 805-244-1170 or if you’d like to have a conversation with the team about your unique situation call team Sweasey at 805-781-3750 and you can always email Hal at Hal@teamsweasey.com for any questions you might have about real estate CA DRE #01111911

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