Life Of a Title Search

Looking into the history.

A Detailed Search

A title search is an examination of public records to determine and confirm a property's legal ownership, and find out what claims are on the property.

A title search is usually performed by a title company, often on behalf of a prospective buyer who may be interested in making an offer on the property. The process may also be initiated by a lender or other entity that wants to verify ownership of the property and determine what claims or judgments against the property may exist before approving a loan or other credit that uses that property as collateral.

Here is a basic overview of the title search process.


Customer Service verifies legal property description & how title to real property is held

See below for the next step in the process.

Preliminary order & title search are opened

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Preliminary search of real property is done

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Title search examines real property records, general index records & tax records

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Examiner reviews complete search package & writes preliminary report

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Data processor enters preliminary title information into computer & prepares preliminary report

See below for the next step in the process.

Messenger service delivers prelims to escrow & lenders

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New documents, demands & statement of information submitted to title company

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Escrow authorizes recording of new documents in the transaction

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Documents are recorded, confirmation of recording is received & liens of record are paid off

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Title officer writes title policies

See below for the next step in the process.

Data processor prepares final title policies

See below for the next step in the process.

Title policies released to client

The title search process is complete.


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