Everything to know about property title search
A property title search is a crucial step in the process of buying or selling real estate. It involves examining public records to determine the legal ownership of a property and to uncover any claims or issues that may affect its transfer or use. Traditional Abstract provides property title search in Bethlehem, PA, Lehigh Valley, Nazareth, PA, Allentown, Easton, PA and surrounding regions.
This is what you need to know about property title searches:
- Purpose: The primary purpose of a title search is to verify the seller’s legal right to sell the property and to ensure that there are no outstanding liens, mortgages, easements, or other encumbrances that could affect the property’s title.
- Process: Typically conducted by a title company or real estate attorney, a title search involves researching public records such as deeds, mortgages, tax records, court records, and surveys related to the property. This process helps uncover any potential problems with the property’s title.
- Liens and Encumbrances: A title search reveals any existing liens or encumbrances on the property, such as unpaid taxes, mortgages, judgments, or easements. These issues must be resolved before the property can be transferred to a new owner
- Ownership: The search confirms the current legal owner of the property and ensures that the seller has the right to transfer ownership. It also identifies any heirs, trustees, or other parties with a claim to the property.
- Title Insurance: In many real estate transactions, the buyer purchases title insurance to protect against any defects in the title that may have been overlooked during the title search. Title insurance provides coverage for losses incurred due to title defects, such as undisclosed liens or ownership disputes.
- Potential Issues: Common issues uncovered during a title search include forged deeds, errors in public records, boundary disputes, zoning violations, and undisclosed heirs or prior owners with a claim to the property. Resolving these issues may require legal action or negotiations with affected parties.
- Finalizing the Transaction: Once the title search is complete and any issues are resolved, the parties can proceed with the real estate transaction. The seller can transfer clear title to the buyer, allowing the new owner to take possession of the property free from any undisclosed claims or encumbrances.
In summary, a property title search is a critical step in the real estate transaction process, providing assurance to both buyers and sellers that the property’s title is clear and free from any potential defects or encumbrances. Kindly call us without hesitation.
