Title search to find out what claims are on a property

Title search

A search of public records conducted by a title company to confirm a property's owner and to find out what claims are on the property

Before you close on your home, a title company will search public records on the property's ownership. The title company wants to make sure that the seller is the actual owner of the property and that the property is free from any claims, such as liens for unpaid taxes and mortgages. Once the search is finished, you'll receive a preliminary title report.

Point out any title issues to the seller - some problems are simple to clear, others may take so long that you're in jeopardy of losing your loan commitment. The title company will do a second search directly before closing to make sure no problems have cropped up.

Example: What are some common title problems?

Type You're buying a home from...

Marriage A single woman or man, but the title search reveals that there are two names on the deed and it says that they're married.

Death The children of a widowed woman who recently passed away, but there's no will on file that shows what she wanted done with the property.

Money liens A seller who hasn't paid property taxes for the last 6 months. The search shows that the county government placed a lien on the property.

Divorce A man who had bought a home before he got married and then later gets divorced. In some states the woman is entitled to 50% of the property, even if she doesn't file suit.

Mechanic's liens An owner who refused to pay the company that installed the new air conditioning system. The search shows the company put a lien on the property.

See: Title report, Title insurance, Cloud on title




		Type	You're buying a home from...


		Marriage	A single woman or man, but the title search reveals that there are two names on the deed and it says that they're married.
		Death	The children of a widowed woman who recently passed away, but there's no will on file that shows what she wanted done with the property.
		Money liens	A seller who hasn't paid property taxes for the last 6 months. The search shows that the county government placed a lien on the property.
		Divorce	A man who had bought a home before he got married and then later gets divorced. In some states the woman is entitled to 50% of the property, even if she doesn't file suit.
		Mechanic's liens	An owner who refused to pay the company that installed the new air conditioning system. The search shows the company put a lien on the property.