A title search consists of using public property records and legal documents to research a particular property’s title and evaluate its ownership history. Title searches are most useful when buying or selling real estate, resolving ownership disputes, and before refinancing. You can find ownership information, liens, foreclosures, mortgages, title disputes, and other encumbrances during the process. The issue is that these records are scattered among a few different government offices, making it cumbersome to pull a complete report unless you use a system like PropertyChecker.
Reasons for a Title SearchTitle companies, real estate attorneys, and abstractors (researchers) perform title searches for various reasons. The most common is before the sale or transfer of property. Some of the reasons that a title search is essential include:
Confirm Legal Ownership – Ensure the seller has the legal right to transfer the property. Uncover Liens & Debts – Detect unpaid mortgages, tax liens, or judgments that could impact your purchase. Check for Easements & Restrictions – Avoid surprises about land use limitations or rights-of-way before you buy. Prevent Costly Legal Issues – A thorough search helps protect against ownership disputes and fraudulent transfers. Streamline Property Research – Whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing, a title search provides critical insights upfront. Benefits of Using PropertyChecker Nationwide Coverage – Search millions of property records instantly. Fast & Accurate Reports – Get results in seconds instead of days. Affordable & Convenient – Se time and money with one streamlined tool. The Difference Between a Deed and a Home TitleA deed is a legal document that transfers property between a buyer and seller. It details the property, its location, the buyer and seller, conveyance details, and any easements or restrictions. Title is an abstract concept about the legal right to own, use, and dispose of a property. The title is established through the deed and previous ownership documents (chain of title). It is not a physical document but rather an understanding of who actually owns the property.
A title search helps ensure a clear chain of ownership so there are no legal disputes or hidden claims affecting your property.
How the Title Search Process WorksAnyone performing a title search will research and examine public property records to piece together the entire chain of title, showing who owned the property at various times and how and when it transferred to another. The professional will create a chronology of all the legal documents showing the ownership history. They may also examine property surveys, easements, and any wills or lawsuits related to the property.
Every state handles property records differently, so you need to know where to look for the correct information on a property. That can be challenging since the records may be with the county, city, or state repository. There is no “one” office where you can show up and find everything. You must visit a few different places to get the complete picture.
The process may uncover unpaid taxes, ownership issues, lawsuits, liens, foreclosures, or other problems that could create trouble during the sale or transfer of property. If anything is found, it must be resolved before the sale can close. The ideal situation is to discover a “clean title” free of any defects or issues.
During the home-buying/selling process, the buyer can purchase title insurance. This protects their lender and themselves if, after the sale, an issue arises showing that the seller was not the legal owner. Title insurance is typically very affordable and worth it to prevent future legal matters. Homebuyers who take out a mortgage are required to purchase title insurance. The lender must protect themselves against any legal claims on the property.
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