Title Search
Definition of "Title search"
A home seller and a home buyer agreed upon a fair market value and the deal is off to closing the sale. One of the next steps is running a title search.
But what is a title search?
The best title search definition would be something like an investigation concerning the title records of a property as a way to assert its legal ownership. A process of reviewing public court records and other documents to ensure there are no liens, claims or restrictions recorded against the property in question and the home seller has the right to sell the home for the home buyer. Any deficiency of title – including mortgages, and encumbrances – are checked on this beginning stage of a closing called “title search”.
Usually performed by a title company, a title search is crucial, however, having it doesn’t exclude the importance of also having title insurance. And the explanation behind that thinking is simple: while title search has the mission of uncovering all mentioned above, there might be liens deeply hidden, document errors or even liens that are still in process of becoming a lien, although the action that will ultimately cause the lien has already taken place. So, title insurance helps the home buyer to overlook the problem and have the insurance company deal with it financially. One can do the title search by him or herself but it’s not the best idea; navigating through boring complicated documents and finding your way around the courthouse can be confusing, and you want the title search to be the clearest possible. One slight overlook can lead to you buying a house with a lien and/or other problems.
Plus, the fact is that during closing a home buyer is trying to find negative points that can reduce a little bit of the price of the house. When the preliminary report comes, you can try to make the sale contingent to the home seller fixing whatever issues the house has before they become your problem. Note: it’s important, however, to include your real estate agent and maybe even a real estate lawyer on this discussion because it’s not every issue that can lead to a reduction or even a withdrawal from the negotiation.
Real Estate Advice:
Buying a home without a title search is crazy! Doing a title search without finding a real estate agent to guide you through is even crazier; find one now!
Popular Real Estate Terms
Provision in a commercial lease providing a financial allowance for a tenant to finish the interior of a building according to individual requirements. ...
Writ issued by the court requiring a person to appear as a witness or to provide written information in the case. A contempt of court citation may occur for failure to observe the subpoena. ...
(1) Written statement by a responsible individual or entity of the correctness and reliability of something. (2) Written permission to do something, such as receiving a real estate ...
The right to deviate from the use of land prescribed by an existing zoning ordinance. ...
Portion of a construction loan withheld by a lender from a contractor until all construction work is satisfactorily completed or sufficient space is rented in a floor loan. The holdback ...
Tank placed beneath the ground to accumulate sewage. ...
Continuous beam on top of supporting walls, usually constructed of concrete and often having steel rods for additional strength placed within it. Supplies lateral support as well as ...
Earthquake insurance is the type of insurance policy that specifically covers damages to your real estate caused by seismic activities. It can refer both to the rare coverage against ...
An insect, such as a termite, that "eats into" the wood and destroys it. This can cause significant damage to the home. Most states have laws that require termite inspection and ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.