Doing a land title check before closing on a house is essential. According to Markham Services, this will ensure that the land you are interested in has no liens, disputes, or other legal problems with who owns it. Learning to do a thorough land title search can help everyone, from first-time owners to experienced investors. They will save time and money and won’t have to worry about getting in trouble with the law. Please read these six tips to ensure your thorough and successful land title search.
Understand The Basics Of A Land Title Search
Before you get into the specifics, you should know what a land title check is. To discover the true owner of a property and whether there are any liens, encumbrances, or other title-related problems, one might perform a land title check. This paper includes tax records, debts, wills, and deeds. You will find what you’re looking for more quickly if you know what you want and where to look.
Use Reliable Sources And Databases
When looking into land titles, you must trust the sources and databases you use. People often look for public records in county recorder’s offices, courthouses, and online databases. Ensure that the data you are looking at is correct and current. One helpful way to do your land title search is to use one of the many regional online databases you can get for a fee. Still, to avoid getting false information, you should always ensure that these sites are reliable.
Check For Liens And Encumbrances
Liens and encumbrances can significantly affect the worth and use of a property. When you look at the title of a piece of land, watch out for any liens, which could be past-due taxes, mortgages, or bills from contractors. You might not be able to use the land as much if it has easements or rights of way. If you catch these problems early, you can make better choices and avoid fights in the future.
Examine The Chain Of Title
The history of who has owned a piece of land is called its “chain of title.” Looking at the title line is essential to looking for land titles. Checking all records of past owners and dealing with mistakes or missing information is part of this process. Any break in the chain of title could be a sign of a possible ownership disagreement or a fraudulent transfer. Ensure that all transfers are recorded adequately to clarify who owns the land.
Verify Legal Descriptions And Boundaries
Correct legal descriptions and property lines are critical to knowing precisely what you are getting. As you look into property titles, it’s helpful to compare the formal description of the land to a recent survey or plat map. This can help you ensure that the property lines are made correctly and that there are no mistakes. Knowing the exact edges of your property can also help you avoid arguments with nearby property owners.
Consult With Professionals
You can do a land title check on your own, but for extra safety, it’s always a good idea to get help from a professional. Real estate lawyers, professional title hunters, and title companies know how to do accurate and thorough searches and have the right tools to do them. They can find issues you might miss and give you tips on fixing them. Hiring a professional could save you time and keep you from making mistakes that cost a lot of money.
Conclusion
A thorough study of the land’s title is essential to buying property. Before you start your search, ensure you know the basics, only use reliable sources, look for liens and encumbrances, find out who owns the property, confirm legal terms and borders, and ask experts for help.
A land title check isn’t just a formality; it’s an essential part of your research that can help you avoid problems in the future. A complete land title investigation should be done before buying any property, whether a house, an investment property, or undeveloped land. This will ensure a safe transaction and clear title.
A land title check generally takes a lot of time and work. Following these six tips will help you do an effective and thorough search, leading to a good real estate deal.
