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
A public officer given the right to authenticate a document, accept a person's oath, administer depositions, and to conduct other activities in commercial business. An official seal is used ...
Single mortgage or other encumbrance that covers more than one piece of real estate. ...
The ability to pay is a self-explanatory term used in Real Estate to determine if the Home Buyer has the financial health to honor a deal. Mortgage Lenders can't afford to lend out money ...
One who has died with a valid will in effect. ...
What is the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) Standard? Before arriving at the definition of ANSI standard, you must know that ANSI stands for The American National ...
State tax based on the value of property received through inheritance. The tax is paid by the recipient not the estate. Tax paid to the government or state upon the death of the taxpayer ...
Lease where, in addition to the rent, the lessee pays the taxes, insurance, and maintenance. As a guarantee for the lessor, the lessee posts a bond payment equivalent to one year's tax, ...
(1) The transformation of a racially integrated neighborhood-bousing pattern into segregated housing. (2) Deterioration, destruction, or decay. ...
Combination of insurance policies on property with each providing an additional increment of coverage exceeding the limits of the preceding policy. For example, policy A adds $70,000, then ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.