The title search process begins with accessing public land records held by the county government. A title professional then collects legal documents related to the property to create a Property Abstract or Title Report. This establishes ownership and identifies any title defects. Next, a Title Commitment is issued which outlines what defects need fixing and what will be covered by the title insurance policy. Finally, the title insurance policy is issued based on the results of the search and commitment.

1. The
Title Search Process
A lender’s title insurance policy is required for a
home loan. Homebuyers should be sure to purchase
a homeowner’s policy to protect their interests too.
Before a title policy can be issued, the title company
or real estate law firm conducts a title search.
The process of a title search typically begins with
accessing the public land records held in a centralized
government office. These records are held by the
governing county of the property in the United States.
Today, many of these records are available online.
SEARCH OF
PUBLIC RECORDS
PROPERTY
ABSTRACT
SEARCH OF
PUBLIC RECORDS1
PROPERTY
ABSTRACT
A Property Abstract is a collection of legal documents
gathered by underwriters and title professionals. It will
typically include deeds, mortgages, wills, probate records,
court litigation, and taxes, and any other legal document
that affects the property.
This document does NOT exist in the public records.
2
...OR TITLE
REPORT
...OR TITLE
REPORT3
Some states don’t use formal property abstracts. Instead, a
Title Report is produced by either the underwriter, title
company, law firm, or third-party vendor. This report isn’t an
abstract, but it has the same type of information to
establish ownership and title defects.
Unlike an abstract, a Title Report won’t show the release or
satisfaction of a lien, but it will show open mortgages and
other encumbrances.
4
TITLE
COMMITMENT
TITLE
COMMITMENT
After the title search has been conducted and an abstract
or title report has been produced, the Title Commitment
is issued for a real estate transaction.
The Title Commitment is like a road map for a title
agent in the transaction. It shows everyone involved in
the transaction exactly what title defects need to be fixed,
what will be covered and what will not be covered by the
title insurance policy.
TITLE INSURANCETITLE INSURANCE
will be issued based on the Title Commitment. Be sure to
understand the terms of the exclusions, conditions, and
exemptions of the policy. It’s possible to purchase a title policy
with more coverage.
If a homebuyer is paying for the title search services, shop around
for a title company that offers a low premium with a high level of
coverage and a good reputation.
www.proplogix.com