Warning: Constant WP_CACHE already defined in /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-config.php on line 4

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-config.php:4) in /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-content/plugins/ip2location-country-blocker/ip2location-country-blocker.php on line 1984

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-config.php:4) in /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-content/plugins/ip2location-country-blocker/ip2location-country-blocker.php on line 1985

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-config.php:4) in /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-content/plugins/ip2location-country-blocker/ip2location-country-blocker.php on line 1986

Warning: Cannot modify header information - headers already sent by (output started at /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-config.php:4) in /home4/comcompare/public_html/blog/wp-content/plugins/ip2location-country-blocker/ip2location-country-blocker.php on line 1987
What Is A Title Search And What Are Its Importance?

What Is A Title Search And What Are Its Importance?

Amanda Byford
Follow Me

Introduction Title Search

When you are in a process of buying a new property, there are many steps that you have to follow right from signing the sales contract to closing. 

Many times these steps could be intimidating and not many people understand the purpose of these steps. 

One such important step in the process of buying a property is a property title search. In this post, we will learn what is a title search in detail.

What Is A Property Title Search?

A property title search is a process where it is determined whether the seller has the right to own the property and is rightfully able to sell it. It is very common to assume that the seller owns the property outright. 

However, there could be hidden claims or liens on the property that the seller may not know about. Hence both buyer and the seller need to get the title search completed.

How Does A Property Title Search Work?

In most cases, the title search on a property is conducted once the sales contract is signed by the buyer and the seller. 

In this process, the title company will look into public records for deeds, county land records, tax liens, divorce cases, bankruptcy records, and any other judgments against the seller that could be attached to the property in question. 

The point is to get a clean title meaning that the lender and the new home buyer both agree that there are no claims on the property that could cause any issues in the future for the new home buyer.

What Is The Importance Of Title Search?

For the seller, it is important to complete this process so that you can ensure that your property has a marketable title ensuring that there are no claims that might end up in a lawsuit or that some individual or entity challenges your right to own the property. 

On the other hand, for the new home buyer, it is important to conduct a title search in order to ensure that the property in question is free of any claims or liens that could bring any legal issues in the future.

Who Performs The Property Title Search And When?

The title search is requested by the lender when the loan is in the preliminary stage. This request is sent to the title company during the escrow. The title company or a lawyer usually takes care of finding the title. 

In some cases, this process can be taken over by the lender or the home buyer. If you decide to handle the title search process as a buyer, you can find the necessary records in places such as the district court building, the recorder’s office, and the district assessor’s office. 

It would be good for professionals such as real estate lawyers – to handle this part of the process. Legal documents can be confusing for the inexperienced eye and you don’t want to skip something important.

What Is The Cost Of The Title Search?

The cost of the search varies from state to state which could be anywhere between $75 to $200. 

This cost is usually added to your closing costs along with the title insurance and other title-related fees. 

The process may take from ten to fourteen days; however, if the property is old, it may take more time. 

You would receive a report from the title company that will show if the title of the property is clear and you are good to go with your purchase transaction.

Conclusion

The title search is one of the most important stages in the home buying process. This would help the buyer to decide whether to proceed with the buying process or find other options.

It is suggested to speak to your lender or trusted real estate attorney to get the right information about this process to ensure a smooth transaction.

Amanda Byford

Amanda Byford has bought and sold many houses in the past fifteen years and is actively managing an income property portfolio consisting of multi-family properties. During the buying and selling of these properties, she has gone through several different mortgage loan transactions. This experience and knowledge have helped her develop an avenue to guide consumers to their best available option by comparing lenders through the Compare Closing business.

Leave a Reply

Back to top