What is a title search?

A title search is fundamentally a process of reviewing public records to determine the history of a property's title. This involves examining documents such as deeds, mortgages, tax records, court judgments, and other relevant information that may affect property ownership and rights. The purpose of conducting a title search is to ensure that the title is clear of any liens, claims, or encumbrances that could pose a risk to the new owner. By conducting a thorough title search, buyers and lenders can confirm the seller's legal ownership and uncover any potential issues that need to be addressed before a property transaction is finalized. This step is crucial in real estate transactions as it helps protect the interests of all parties involved.

In contrast, obtaining financing for a property focuses on the financial aspects of purchasing, verifying a buyer's creditworthiness relates to assessing credit history, and negotiating the sale price deals with the terms of the transaction itself. These processes, while important in real estate, do not pertain to the investigation and verification of the property's title, which is the primary objective of a title search.