What Is a Title Search?

Part of the cost of title insurance includes a title search, in which the title insurer conducts a detailed examination of the historical, public records concerning the property. These records include deeds, court records, property and name indexes and many other public documents.

The purpose of the search is to verify the seller's right to transfer property ownership and to discover any defects or encumbrances on the title. A title search should show all title defects and encumbrances as well as judgments, liens and other restrictions (i.e. unpaid taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller, land-use restrictions, etc.). Remember, the seller's title policy does not protect you as a buyer; any of these defects could have occurred during the seller's ownership and a new title search will protect your ownership rights when you acquire the property.

For more information about Title Insurance, visit www.longtitle.com