When you’re looking to buy a new house, you’ve probably heard the term “title search” get thrown into the conversation. You might find yourself asking, “What is a title search?” Or “How does a title search work?” Don’t worry, Continental Title Company has the answers for you right here.
A title search is the process of retrieving documents and public records to determine and confirm a property’s legal ownership. This process also tells us what types of claims or liens are on the property. Spoiler alert: in order to make any kind of transaction on the property, a clean title is required.
The title search is typically done by a title company, like Continental Title Company, on behalf of a potential buyer for the property. When this is being performed, the company will do extensive research on public records and other legal documents to find the vested owner. During this process, the company will also find judgements on the property, loans, and the property taxes due.
If there are any issues or problems with the title, you can point them out to the seller prior to closing. From there, you can decide if you want to go through with the purchase. You will want to include your attorney and real estate agent in these conversations in the event that a problem with the title arises and jeopardizes the purchase.
It is possible to do a title search of the property that you are looking to buy on your own, however, it’s not recommended. There are several different legal documents that go into a title search, and after a while, it can be confusing to the untrained eye.
You’re not in this alone. Continental Title Company is the title company near you, which can navigate the legal work for your potential home. Contact us today for help!