How to Do a Title Search in Real Estate

The 3 Ways to Do a Title Search

If you need to do a title search before closing, there are only three practical ways to do it. Each one gives you access to the same goal—checking the property’s records—but the process and level of help you get will be different.

The first option is to do it online through your county or government websites. This is the fastest and most convenient way since you can search records using a computer or phone.

The second option is to do it in person at the office that keeps property records. This usually means visiting a local government office where you can access public files directly.

The third option is to hire a title company or a real estate attorney. This is the most hands-off approach because professionals handle the entire search for you and make sure everything is properly reviewed.

 

Where Property Records Are Kept

Property records are public information, but where they are stored depends on the location of the property. There is no single system used everywhere, so the office you need to check can vary from one area to another.

In many cases, these records may be found at city hall, the courthouse, the county recorder or register of deeds, or the property assessor or tax office. These offices are responsible for keeping track of ownership details, transfers, and other legal documents tied to real estate.

Some areas make things easier by using statewide databases where you can search records in one system. However, other places are more local and only keep records at the city or county level.

In many jurisdictions, you can access these records online for free, which makes the search more convenient. But in some cases, online access is limited or not available at all.

When that happens, you may need to visit the office in person. Most government offices have public computer terminals where you can search records yourself, and in some cases, clerks are available to help guide you through the process.

There is also a special situation when dealing with new developments. If the land has not yet been fully subdivided, you may not find the property listed under a specific home or lot. In these cases, it can help to search under the larger parcel owned by the developer instead.

 

Method 1: Do a Title Search Online

The first and most convenient way to do a title search is online. Most counties or local governments now provide digital access to property records, making it easier to start your search without leaving your home.

You can begin by visiting your county or local government website. Once there, you can search for the property using either the property address or the owner’s name. These two details are usually enough to pull up basic public records.

After searching, you will need to review important documents related to the property. This includes deeds, tax history, and any liens or claims attached to the property. These records help you understand the ownership history and whether there are any financial or legal issues tied to the property.

One of the main advantages of doing the search online is convenience. It is fast, and you can do it anytime without needing to visit an office.

However, there are also limitations. Some online records may be incomplete, outdated, or harder to interpret, depending on how the local system is set up.

If you are looking for additional online options, there are also title search services you can use, such as:

• https://www.ustitlerecords.com/
• https://protitleusa.com/

 

Method 2: Search Records in Person

Another way to do a title search is by going directly to the government office that keeps property records. This method gives you hands-on access to official documents and can sometimes provide more complete information than online searches.

You can visit places such as the recorder’s office, the courthouse, or the assessor’s office. These are the common government offices responsible for storing and managing property records.

Once there, you can use public computer terminals or look through physical record books or files, depending on how the office is organized. These tools allow you to search for property history, ownership details, and other important documents.

If you are unsure where to start, you can also ask the clerks in the office for guidance. In many cases, they can point you in the right direction or explain how to use their system.

This method has the advantage of giving you more complete access to records, especially older or less digitized files. However, it also requires more time and effort since you need to physically go to the office and do the search yourself.

 

Method 3: Hire a Title Company or Real Estate Attorney

The third and most hands-off way to do a title search is by hiring a professional. This can be a title company or a real estate attorney who will handle the entire process for you.

Instead of you going through records yourself, these professionals will conduct a full title search on your behalf. They are trained to carefully review all the important details tied to a property.

They typically check the ownership history to confirm who legally owns the property and whether there are any gaps or issues in past transfers. They also look for liens and unpaid debts that may still be attached to the property. On top of that, they investigate any legal disputes or claims that could affect ownership or future transfer of the property.

The biggest advantage of this method is accuracy and reliability. Since professionals do this every day, they are more likely to catch issues that a normal buyer might miss.

The main limitation, however, is cost. Hiring a title company or attorney comes with a service fee, but many buyers consider it worth it for the added protection and peace of mind.

 

What You Should Be Looking for in a Title Search

When reviewing a title search, the goal is to make sure the property’s history is clean and free from issues that could affect ownership or create problems later. There are a few key things you should always pay attention to.

First, look for any gaps or breaks in the ownership history. The record should show a clear and continuous chain of ownership from one seller to the next. Missing or unclear transfers can signal potential problems.

Next, check for any unpaid liens or taxes. These are debts tied to the property, and in many cases, they must be settled before the property can legally change hands.

You should also watch for errors in official records. This can include misspelled names, incorrect property details, or mistakes in recorded documents that could create confusion later.

Finally, be aware of any competing ownership claims. This happens when another party may have a legal interest in the property, which can lead to disputes or delays in closing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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