Home Title Search: Find It Before You Buy It

Why Home Title Searches Are Important For Getting Home Title Insurance

By Meha Ahmad, InsuranceAgents.com Staff Writer

A home title search is something that anyone buying real estate should conduct before finalizing any purchase. But if you’re ready to find rates on home insurance and home title insurance, start by comparing for homeowners insurance quotes by using our free online quote comparison service located here.

Every home develops its own history, seeing owners come and go. Real estate property can change hands so often in its time that, over the years, things can get a little messy, which is why you should conduct a home title search through a title company or attorney. Liens and land encumbrances can build up, never being cleared from the title. If a title isn’t cleared, it can lead you to think you have a valid title, but you may have no actual legal right to sell the piece of real estate.

Conducting a home title search will help you determine a property’s legal ownership, as well as find out any judgments that are on the property. A home title search will also help you determine any loans or property taxes due on a property. You want to know what problems an uncleared title can pose before you buy a property.

What You Learn From A Home Title Search

When conducting an official home title search, through a title company or attorney, you will receive the chain of title. You will learn if there are or were any liens on the property and any mortgages that were on the home as well. You will also receive a copy of the deed to the property—this should show you an index of any owners before you.

A home title search includes an equity loan search, foreclosure search, bankruptcy search, treasury lien search, ownership structure, and property restrictions, to name a few. 

Much of this information can be found even if you conduct your own home title search through public records. However, more thorough information can probably be obtained more easily and more quickly through a professional home title search.

How To Conduct Your Own Home Title Search

1. Search public records. Go to your County Clerk’s office’s land/real property division. After filling out the form for a home title search (and paying a possible report fee), search your property’s address through official records. Many county official records can also be found online.
2. Confirm that it’s the right property. Make sure that the description of the land and property on record is the same property you’re doing the home title search for. Mistakes during home title searches happen—you don’t want think you have the right title and deed and find out you’re wrong later.
3. Review the documents. After your home title search is complete, gather all of the documents. On your own or with the assistance of a real estate attorney, review the chain of title and the history of owners on the deed. Don’t forget to take note of any and all liens, judgments, land encumbrances and land restrictions.
4. Talk to the seller. It’s possible that the seller isn’t aware of any problems with the title. Inform the seller of any problems or liens you may have found as a result of your home title search.

Getting Home Title Insurance

If you’re buying a piece of property, your lender will probably require that you buy home title insurance. Home title insurance protects the lender from any mistakes, liens, and judgments that are made during a home title search. Talk to a home insurance agent for more help and information. Home title search mistakes happen, so it’s important to invest in home title insurance. Find a local agent using our free quote service and compare up to five offers.

Published: Tuesday 22nd September 2009