When buying a home, what does a title search entail for a property? A title search researches public records to verify who is the legal owner of the property and find out if there are any claims or liens on the property. Title searches look at the chain of title from previous owners and most title searches in North Carolina usually cover a period of the previous thirty years. Also, title searches can be beneficial for more than just purchasing a home, they can be used for refinancing for example.
Title searches search for the previous deeds, chain of title, owner verification, tax assessor search, judgment/UCC/lien search, and bankruptcy search, amongst other things. When title searches are performed, sometimes title issues are found. The most common type of title issue are liens that must be paid before the property can be sold with clean title. Other common title issues consist of easements, encumbrances, missing heirs, pending lawsuits and illegal deeds. If title issues aren’t resolved, it could potentially delay the closing, and sometimes even terminate the transaction all-together.
Real estate transactions involve substantial money changing hands. As a buyer, you want to make sure you are getting clean title and that you protect your investment. Most lenders require title examinations and that title insurance be put on the property. Additionally, if you are a buyer paying cash, although it is not required, it is strongly recommended that you get a title search for the property you are about to purchase. Please reach out to our firm if you have any questions or need a title search performed. Disclaimer No Attorney-Client Relationship Created by Use of this Website: Neither your receipt of information from this website nor your use of this website to contact The Lancaster Law Firm or one of its attorneys creates an attorney-client relationship between you and The Lancaster Law Firm. As a matter of policy, The Lancaster Law Firm does not accept a new client without first investigating for possible conflicts of interests and obtaining/sending a signed engagement letter or email correspondence. Accordingly, you should not use this website to provide confidential information about a legal matter of yours to Lancaster Law Firm. No Legal Advice Intended: This website includes information about current, past, and future potential legal issues and legal developments for educational purposes only. Such information is provided for informational purposes only and may not reflect the most recent legal developments. Posted information is not intended, and should not be taken, as legal advice for a particular set of circumstances you may be experiencing. You should contact an attorney for advice on specific legal problems.