A title search is a search of public records in the county where the property is located. A title professional (or abstractor) will review prior deeds to ensure that the property was conveyed properly from one owner to the next over the past 40-60 years. The abstractor will make certain that prior deeds of trust (or mortgages) were paid off and released and that there are no liens, other than those that will be paid off at closing, against the property.
Since judgments can attach to real estate property, the abstractor searches for court judgments or delinquent taxes. In addition, an abstractor will look at surveys and plats to make certain there is proper access to the property and review easements, covenants, conditions and any other property restrictions so that the buyer is fully aware of restrictions prior to purchasing a property. For more information, check out our Title Search page (under our SERVICES menu).