The purpose of the title search is:

• To verify the seller’s right to transfer ownership.
• To discover any claims, errors, assessments, debts or other restrictions on the property.

According to the American Land Title Association, title companies find and fix problems with the title in 25% of transactions-usually without the the borrower or lender even knowing it! In addition, title companies pay millions of dollars each year in claims. Title insurance provides significant value to lenders and homeowners.

Before closing, Realty Title searches the public records for all matters affecting title. The search entails examining the records in the offices of the Register of Deeds, Clerk of Courts, and other municipal and county officials. These records include recorded documents, judgments, liens, taxes, street easements, sewer assessments, special taxes and other matters that could affect property ownership.

Through careful examination of these records, we determine who owns the property and what interests may already exist in that property.

This process, called a title search, provides early warnings of title flaws that must be dealt with before the property can be sold or refinanced.