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
Cement or mortar with a high moisture content developing it into a slurry solution allowing the ability to be poured or pumped into crevices, fissures, and masonry cracks and joints. ...
Main structural support beam. A girder is made of steel, reinforced concrete, or timber. It is designed to support loads at different points along its length. ...
Standard days when an organization is open and conducts business. Business days exclude weekends and holidays. ...
Date of the valuation of property, usually contained in a report. ...
The American Planning Association, also known as APA, is a nonprofit professional organization representing the US’s urban planning field. The APA provides extensive educational ...
In an electrical system, the connection box where all the circuit systems are installed with a series of electrical breakers. The major distribution or collection duct in an ...
Real property usable in a trade or business. Such as, the property on a which retail store, hotel, or office building are located. ...
The rate at which a market can absorb additional units of supply without causing market saturation and severe price distortions. For example, during a recessionary period, many homeowners ...
Visible area that can be readily seen by outside traffic. This is particularly important for a commercial business. ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.