Buying a property looks simple from the outside, but behind every clean closing is a detailed title search report that confirms the home is legally ready to sell. A title search ensures that the buyer gets ownership without hidden risks, disputes, or financial liabilities. Without this step, a buyer may inherit someone else’s legal problems — liens, claims, or ownership conflicts.
A professional property title search protects you from that.
What Is a Title Search Report?
A title search report is a document created after reviewing public records, legal documents, and county data to verify the true legal status of a property. The goal is simple: confirm that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that the buyer will receive clear ownership.
A strong report includes ownership history, recorded documents, and issues that may affect the transfer of title.
What Does a Title Search Include?
A high-quality real estate title search typically includes:
1. Chain of Title
A complete record of previous owners. This confirms that ownership has passed correctly without gaps or fraudulent transfers.
2. Liens & Judgments
The report checks for:
- Unpaid taxes
- Contractor liens
- Child support judgments
- HOA dues
- Outstanding mortgages
These must be cleared before closing to avoid future legal trouble.
3. Property Restrictions
Covenants, easements, or usage limitations that affect how the property can be used.
4. Legal Description
The official county-recorded description of the property.
5. Recorded Documents
Any documents filed against the property — transfers, deeds, releases, or legal claims.
Why Is a Title Search Important for Buyers and Lenders?
A property title search protects everyone involved in the transaction.
For Buyers
It prevents:
- Unexpected financial obligations
- Ownership disputes
- Delays in closing
- Legal battles after the purchase
For Lenders
Banks require a title search because they need assurance that the property is free from prior risks before approving a loan.
Common Issues Found During a Title Search
Even properties that look “clean” may have hidden problems:
- Unpaid property taxes
- Fraud or forged signatures in old deeds
- Unknown heirs with ownership claims
- Incorrect public-record filings
- Hidden liens
These issues can stop a closing or cost thousands if not discovered early.
How AcerSearch Helps With Accurate & Fast Title Search Reports
AcerSearch provides detailed, reliable, and fast property title search solutions designed for:
- Real estate professionals
- Title agencies
- Attorneys
- Investors
- Mortgage lenders
Our team accesses multiple data sources, county records, and verified public documents to deliver comprehensive and error-free reports that help you close with confidence.
When Should You Order a Title Search?
You should order a title search report:
- Before signing a purchase agreement
- Before applying for a mortgage
- Before transferring property to a family member
- Before investing in distressed or foreclosure properties
Ordering early saves time, money, and stress.
FAQs
1. What is a title search report?
A title search report is a review of public records that verifies property ownership, liens, judgments, and legal issues before a real-estate transaction. It confirms that the seller has the legal right to sell the property.
2. Why is a title search important before buying a property?
A title search protects buyers from hidden risks like unpaid taxes, undisclosed heirs, or ownership disputes. It ensures clean and transferable property ownership at closing.
3. What does a title search include?
A title search typically includes the chain of title, liens, judgments, easements, restrictions, legal description, and recorded documents that affect property ownership.
4. How long does a title search take?
Most title searches take anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on county records, property type, and document accessibility.
5. Can a title search find hidden liens?
Yes. A professional title search can detect hidden liens such as tax liens, contractor liens, HOA dues, child support judgments, and outstanding mortgages.
6. Who needs a title search?
Homebuyers, investors, lenders, attorneys, title companies, and real-estate agents all rely on title searches to verify the legal status of a property.
7. Does a title search show past owners?
Yes. A title search provides a “chain of title,” which lists all previous owners to ensure ownership was legally passed every time.
8. What happens if a title search finds a problem?
If a title search uncovers issues, they must be resolved before closing. This may involve clearing liens, correcting records, or verifying ownership with supporting documents.
9. Is a title search the same as title insurance?
No. A title search uncovers issues before closing, while title insurance protects the buyer and lender from future claims after closing.
10. Can I do a title search myself?
You can review public records, but it’s time-consuming and easy to miss important documents. A professional service provides accurate, complete, and legally verified results.
11. What types of issues can a title search reveal?
A title search may reveal liens, unpaid taxes, easements, forged documents, recording errors, unknown heirs, or disputes affecting ownership.
12. How much does a title search cost?
Costs vary by location and property type. Most buyers order title searches through title companies or search providers because they offer accurate results and liability protection.
13. When should I order a title search?
A title search should be ordered before signing a purchase agreement, applying for a mortgage, or transferring property ownership.
14. Do lenders require a title search?
Yes. Lenders require a title search to confirm that the property is free from prior claims before approving any loan or mortgage.
15. What is the chain of title?
The chain of title is the documented history of all past property owners. It helps confirm legitimate ownership and prevents fraud or disputes.
16. Can a title search prevent legal disputes?
Yes. By identifying ownership issues and financial claims early, a title search helps prevent legal challenges after the property is purchased.
17. Does a title search look at unpaid taxes?
Yes. It includes checks for unpaid property taxes, municipal charges, or tax liens filed against the property.
18. Who performs a title search?
Title companies, title search specialists, attorneys, and professional search agencies like AcerSearch perform detailed searches using public records and county databases.
19. Does a title search reveal easements?
Yes. A title search will list any easements that allow others to use part of the property, such as utility access or shared driveways.
20. Why should I hire AcerSearch for a title search?
AcerSearch provides accurate, fast, and comprehensive title search reports backed by verified public records. Our searches help real-estate professionals, buyers, and lenders close with confidence.