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
Housing where affirmative action is proactively pursued protecting the housing rights of people of all races, nationalities, and religions. ...
Fee payable because of late payment. For example, a mortgagor is assessed a $30 late charge by the bank for not paying the mortgage payment when due. ...
A four-unit building with four tenants in a condominium type of ownership and management. ...
Method of appraising real estate based on the market comparison of neighboring properties having similar characteristics. Seeks to answer the question: What would it cost to substitute a ...
Value that a speculator believes an investment will reach at some point in the future. ...
Substance or material used at the top of a chimney at the roof to inhibit the development of moisture and to protect the metal. ...
Loan service charge; each point equals 1% of the amount of the total mortgage loan, which must be paid up front when a home is purchased. It is a one-time, immediate charge that increases ...
Depressed, poorly kept locality that may include vacant businesses. It may be a high crime area. The people living in the area are typically poor and there may also be homeless people. ...
The term straight note in real estate is also known as a promissory note. A straight note is defined as a loan agreement that generally requires payments of interest only over the term of ...
Have a question or comment?
We're here to help.