Title Search

A Title Search is an examination of public records involving a specific property, verifying that no other claims against the property exist.  Typically, the title search is conducted to ensure the certificate of title can legally pass from a seller of a home or land to a buyer.

The company providing the title search service will look for items such as liens, mortgages, and judgments that might prevent transfer of ownership.  This search will also provide for corrections in the event that information is missing on a document such as a deed.

Even if a title search is thorough, there are situations that can later bring into question the ownership of the property.  For example, the sudden appearance of an heir identified in a Will, or discovery of a forged signature on a document, could start a legal dispute over ownership.  Title insurance protects the buyer against errors and unforeseen disputes that arise after a title search is complete. This is why mortgage lenders require title insurance to be purchased to protect their investment in the home.