Online Title Search
for Any U.S. Property

Understanding Online Title Search Results

When you search property title online, your report includes several categories of information that reveal the property's legal status and financial encumbrances. Understanding each section helps you make informed decisions about real estate purchases and investments.

Ownership Information

The ownership section of your online title search identifies the current legal owners and how they hold title. Common vesting types include sole ownership, joint tenancy with right of survivorship, tenancy in common, and various trust arrangements. The vesting type affects how the property transfers upon death or sale.

For married couples, community property states like California and Texas have specific rules about spousal ownership interests. Your title search shows the recorded vesting, though actual ownership may differ based on state law.

Lien Information

Liens represent claims against the property that must be satisfied before clear title transfers. Your online title search categorizes liens by type:

• Mortgage Liens: Voluntary liens created when the owner borrows against the property. First mortgages have priority over second mortgages and home equity lines.
• Tax Liens: Government claims for unpaid property taxes, income taxes, or other assessments. Tax liens generally have priority over other liens.
• Judgment Liens: Court-ordered liens resulting from lawsuits. A creditor who wins a money judgment can record it against the debtor's real property.
• Mechanic's Liens: Claims by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers who provided labor or materials for property improvements but weren't paid.
• HOA Liens: Homeowner association assessments that went unpaid. These liens can lead to foreclosure in some states.

Transfer History

The chain of title shows how ownership transferred over time. Each transfer should show a continuous chain from seller to buyer through recorded deeds. Gaps in the chain may indicate title defects that could affect your ownership rights.

Common deed types include warranty deeds, which provide the strongest ownership guarantees; grant deeds, common in California; and quitclaim deeds, which transfer only the grantor's interest without warranties.

Online Title Search vs. Title Insurance

An online title search and title insurance serve different purposes in real estate transactions. Understanding the distinction helps you decide which services you need.

What a Title Search Provides

A title search examines public records to identify current ownership, liens, and encumbrances. The search reveals known issues that appear in recorded documents. You receive a snapshot of the property's title status as of the search date.

What Title Insurance Provides

Title insurance protects against losses from title defects that the search didn't discover. Hidden issues like forged signatures, undisclosed heirs, or recording errors may not appear in public records but can threaten your ownership. Title insurance pays to defend your title and covers losses up to the policy amount.

When You Need Each

Lenders require title insurance to protect their mortgage interest. As a buyer, you should consider owner's title insurance to protect your equity. However, before deciding on insurance, you need a title search to understand what issues exist.

For investment properties purchased without financing, many investors rely on title searches without purchasing title insurance. The cost savings may be worthwhile for experienced investors who understand the risks.

Common Title Issues Found in Online Searches

Online title searches frequently reveal issues that affect property purchases. Knowing what to look for helps you evaluate search results.

Outstanding Mortgages

Previous mortgages that weren't properly released remain as liens even if the loan was paid. Satisfaction documents should be recorded within 30-90 days of payoff, but recording delays or errors leave mortgages appearing open.

Judgment Liens

Court judgments against the property owner attach to all real property they own in the county. Judgment liens must be paid or released before clear title transfers. Some judgment liens expire after a period of years if not renewed.

Tax Liens

IRS tax liens attach to all property the taxpayer owns. State tax liens and property tax liens also create clouds on title. Tax liens have priority over most other liens and must be addressed before closing.

Lis Pendens

A lis pendens notice indicates pending litigation affecting the property. This could be a foreclosure action, divorce proceeding, or other lawsuit. Properties with lis pendens filings may be difficult to sell or finance until the litigation resolves.