Title Searches: How to Conduct Them & Why You Should

by Tracey Lizza 08/02/2020




 Photo by Gerd Altmann via Pixabay

There are many title companies available to complete a title search for you. However, if you’re trying to reduce some of the costs associated with buying a property, you can complete a title search on your own and potentially save hundreds of dollars.

1. Identify the Property

Start by gathering as much information on the property as you can find. This information should include the home address, the county in which it is located and the current owner's name.

2. Look Up the County Office

It can take some time to browse various county offices for information on the home, but this is a necessary step. Look for information with the county clerk, the county record and the county tax assessor first. If you are unsure of how to find each county office, start by checking out your state government website. Once you’ve found that web page, you should be able to navigate to each county and find which local office has the property records on file.

3. Locate the Property in Public Records

 Research the property information with the proper county office. This can be done online or in-person. However, most public records are available online digitally. Requesting public records online can save a great deal of time but remember that you will likely have to pay additional fees to request a copy.

4. Review the Property Details

When completing a title search, you’ll want to access the most recent deed for the property. The deed you’re looking for should include the current owner's name, as well as the person or entity that sold the property to them. You should search the document as far back as possible, looking for any transactions between buyers and sellers—which may take you back several decades. Take the time to make sure that each deed passed from each person correctly, to create a chain of title.

5. Look for Potential Issues

While reviewing the title, keep an eye out for possible issues like tax liens or gaps in ownership. If you notice something like a seller that wasn’t included as a buyer on a previous document, you may not be able to complete the purchase.

Remember that even though it can take some work, you should always be able to find the property in question. If the property doesn’t show up in your search, some of your information is incorrect or it’s not in the current recorder system.

About the Author
Author

Tracey Lizza

because it matters who you work with

TRACEY LIZZA - Buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction: it’s a life-changing experience. Tracey is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service with total discretion for all of her clients. She takes great pride in the relationships she builds and always works relentlessly on the client’s behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals. Tracey places a high value on responsiveness and availability. She works with her clients every step of the way whether they are buying, renting or selling. A career as a real estate professional has been a perfect fit for Tracey. She has had a varied background in the marketing communications field including having worked in the international fashion industry as a buyer. Combined with a personal selection of residential and commercial properties, Tracey brings her expertise along with firsthand experience. Tracey and her family enjoy the Shoreline lifestyle of Southeastern Connecticut and love all things outdoors including gardening, fishing and boating. 

Contact Tracey and let her help you move in the right direction!

Meet Tracey's trusted Co-Broke Realtor Carol Gessner!

CAROL GESSNER - As a full-time Realtor I have the knowledge you need to get your home sold or find a new one. I am highly dedicated to bringing you customer service that exceeds your expectations. You can expect nothing less than superior professionalism and integrity from me. I have lived in southeastern Connecticut for 35 years. I grew up here. I have a connection to this community and the people who call it home. When I'm not helping my clients, I enjoy gardening, cooking and traveling. My true passions in life are my husband James, and our kids Nicholas and Nola. 

Let me know how I can assist you in buying or selling and exceed your expectations!