What is a title search?
A title search is the resulting document of data research on a piece of real estate. A real estate researcher, sometimes called an abstractor, will retrieve the records on a property, such as transfers, liens, judgements, and other recorded data. The results are compiled into a report, called a title search. This report can be used to understand the status of the property, such as if there are liens against the property, or ownership status. Back to questions

Who needs a title search?
Some typical uses of a title search are as follows. First, many of our clients are investors, looking at properties for purchase. Some investors buy properties through foreclosure, or at auction. These potential buyers wish to determine the status of any liens that may be on the property. Other clients are real estate buyers, who want to understand the ownership of a property before they make an offer on it to the seller or broker. Sometimes, knowing the amount of mortgages on a property, or if there are financial problems can help with the negotiations. Also, our title searches often include comparable sales data, to see what other properties in the area have sold for. In addition, some of our clients need a title search as part of a family event, such as divorce, estate or otherwise.
Many homeowners are now checking their own homes title status on a regular basis, to make sure no liens are attaching to the property. Back to questions

Can I do a title search myself?
Yes! In most counties and cities, anyone can visit the records office, and retrieve the data and documents needed to create a title search. In most cases, the only cost is that of copying fees. Most municipal offices charge about a dollar a page for copies. Keep in mind that pulling all the right documents can be time-consuming and tricky. Often, documents and liens can be cross-referenced in different ways in different counties. Sometimes owners name is used, sometimes address is used, and other times PN# is used.
Using a professional title search firm makes sure that someone with experience in collecting all relevant documents is performing the search. Back to questions

What is the difference between a property report and a title search?
You may see that property reports are available online, sometimes for as little as $10. This report is usually a copy of the tax records, showing the name of the assessed owner, and possibly with some neighborhood information. This is NOT the same as a title search, as it does not search for liens, or ownership transfers. Back to questions

Do you search for liens?
Yes, this is the most important part of a title search. We run a lien search for the property, and list all liens recorded against the current owner of the property. This includes both mortgage liens, and all non-voluntary liens such as tax liens, contractor liens, etc. Back to questions

How long will it take to get my title search results back?
Full, in-person searches take between 12- 72 hours. (Not including weekends). Many of our searchers around the country are set up on a PDA/pager system, so that we can send your order to them instantly as it comes into our website. This way, the abstractor can begin pulling the records in real time, without having to leave the courthouse, or records database. Back to questions

How are the results sent to me?
We normally sent the results of title searches by email. The full search often contains document image copies which are scanned to PDF files for you. You can view the documents on screen, download them to your computer, or print copies at your desktop. Back to questions

How do I contact someone at your company?
We can be reached in several ways. Our office number is 877-848-5337. Email us at info@titlesearch.com, or use the Live Help function on our website. You can send us a fax at 678-807-1961. Back to questions

Is the property owner notified of a search?
No, our search does not involve visiting the property, or notifying the owner, or occupants. County records offices do not normally make notice of searches either. Back to questions

What about commercial properties?
We can normally do a search on commercial properties for the same price. However, in some cases if the property value is excessive, or the records abnormally complex, a commercial search may be priced higher. We will contact you before proceeding if this is the case. Back to questions

How long has TitleSearch.com been in business?
TitleSearch.com was created in 1995, and incorporated in 1999. Back to questions

How do I contact you?
We can be reached at 877-848-5337, or email at info@titlesearch.com. Back to questions

What if I have more detailed questions about my specific situation?
We would be glad to help. Our title experts can be reached at 877-848-5337, or email at info@titlesearch.com.
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