Definition
A professional title search digs through decades of public records to create a chain of title showing all previous owners, mortgages, liens, and other claims. It's the foundation for title insurance.
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A title search examines decades of property records to create a chain of title showing all previous owners and transactions. The search identifies any liens (mortgages, tax liens, judgment liens), easements, restrictions, or other encumbrances affecting the property. A professional title searcher reviews deeds, mortgage records, tax records, court documents, and other public files. The title search results form the basis for the title commitment and title insurance policy.
Pro Tip
Review title search results carefully. Ask the title company to explain liens and restrictions.
Example
The title search revealed that the property had clear ownership back to 1987, but identified an old easement for utility lines and a property tax lien from 2015 that needed to be resolved before closing.