(631) 262-1826

 

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What is a title search?

A title search is a detailed search through public records to uncover any recorded legal interests in the property. Any purchaser or lender should be certain that the seller has the legal right to sell the property and that the property is unencumbered by liens or other legal issues. A thorough review of the county records will provide property information to the purchaser, seller, lender, attorney, and all other parties of interest, regarding the marketability of property. Without proper and accurate title examinations, all parties could be subjecting themselves to future liability and/or losses.

American Abstract's examiners will document any relevant issues found in the county records including the following:

  • Current owner of the property

  • How the property was conveyed to the current owner

  • Open mortgages

  • Liens and judgments

  • Tax information

  • Legal description

Please call us if you require any other type of property information, we have many different types of search that reflect different property information.

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.

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.

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.

How long will it take to get my title search results back?
Searches take about 24-72 hours. (Not including weekends)

How are the results sent to me?
We normally sent the results by email, we can also fax the search upon request.

How do I contact someone at your company?
We can be reached in several ways. Our office number is 631-262-1826. Email us at info@nationalabstract.com. Our  fax number is 631-262-1927.

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.

Do you have volume discounts?
Yes, you can learn more about volume discounts by calling 631-262-1826 ext. 105

Deed Reports
Property Reports
Statutory Title Searches

Information on a specified parcel of property. Reflects the owner(s) of record or grantees of record, the type of ownership.....

This report is also known as a Current owner Report, expands on the limited ownership search by also requiring research to be done.....

Complete ownership history back to the last 50 years. The ownership history (chain of title) will provide all owners' names and deed information....