How to do title search
A title search is a process of reviewing public records in order to determine the ownership and legal status of a piece of real estate. Here are the general steps to do a title search:
1. Gather information: You will need to know the legal description of the property, the name of the current owner(s), and any other relevant information, such as the property address or parcel number.
2. Search public records: You can search public records at the county or city level, depending on the jurisdiction where the property is located. This may include the land registry office, county recorder's office, or city hall. You can also use online databases that provides the information, such as title search companies or county property records websites.
3. Review the property's chain of title: The chain of title is a history of the property's ownership, including any deeds, mortgages, and other legal documents that have been recorded in public records. It will show you the name of the property's current owner and the names of any previous owners.
4. Look for any liens or encumbrances: A lien is a legal claim against a property, and can include mortgages, unpaid taxes, or judgments against the owner. An encumbrance is any other claim or restriction on the property, such as a easements or zoning regulations.
5. Report the findings: You may want to provide a report of your findings, including any liens or encumbrances that you discovered during the title search.
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6. Hire a title company or attorney: You can also hire a title company or attorney to conduct the title search and they will provide you with a title report, which is a document that summarizes the information found during the title search and can be used to clear any title issues before closing on a property.
It's worth noting that the specific steps and requirements for conducting a title search may vary depending on the jurisdiction where the property is located.