{"id":7498,"date":"2026-06-02T21:47:51","date_gmt":"2026-06-03T01:47:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=7498"},"modified":"2026-06-02T21:47:52","modified_gmt":"2026-06-03T01:47:52","slug":"ready-to-buy-a-title-search-belongs-on-your-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/ready-to-buy-a-title-search-belongs-on-your-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Ready to Buy? A Title Search Belongs on Your Checklist"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A title search is one of the key steps in protecting your ownership interest when you buy a home. It reviews the property\u2019s recorded history to uncover issues that could affect the deed, the seller\u2019s right to transfer the property, or your ability to sell the home later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a typical purchase, the title search is part of the title company\u2019s work before issuing title insurance. The search helps confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the property. It can also reveal liens, claims, unpaid debts, recording errors, easements, or other problems connected to the title. If a serious issue is missed, the transfer could become disputed and may even lead to legal action. Owner\u2019s title insurance can provide added protection if certain covered title problems appear after the sale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Do It Yourself, or Hire a Professional?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You can do the basics yourself. But as you might imagine, sometimes it\u2019s easy to miss impactful things. Almost all home buyers assign the search to a title company, closing attorney, or abstractor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The title search takes place once a purchase agreement is signed. Depending on state and local norms, and what the purchase agreement says, costs might be covered by the seller or buyer. A buyer should look for the title search fees among the listed closing costs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Through a warranty deed, which is commonly used in a sale, the seller makes a legally binding promise that the title is clear. This promise relies on a title search. A warranty deed does not make title insurance unnecessary. Explore more about the <\/em><\/strong>difference between a warranty deed and title insurance.<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Exactly Is Being Searched?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The search traces the home\u2019s ownership history. This starts with an abstract of title<\/em><\/a>. The abstract provides a detailed history of legal claims in the title records.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The public records related to the property will include the current and past deeds, recorded loans and liens for debts, property tax records, judgments against the property, and any restrictions on the buyer\u2019s ability to use the full property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The methods include pulling up digital records kept by the county. Visits to the county recorder and other agency offices connect the title professional with physical documents.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the documents are easily spotted. Some are harder to discover.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Issues Can a Title Search Expose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Common unresolved issues to be found include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n