TitleSearch.com was created in 1995, and incorporated in 1999. Over that time we have completed property research with a combined, estimated-assessed value of over 1.3 Trillion dollars, processing over 4,250,000 documents, in all 50 US states. TitleSearch.com certified title abstractors have a combined 150+ years experience in the industry. We are trusted by the largest Government agencies and corporations in the United States; IRS, DOJ, SEC, banking institutions, enterprise LOS, insurance companies, law firms, title underwriters, and real estate investment firms. To accommodate client demands for timely, accurate title search products, we invest heavily in IT and AI infrastructure, ensuring our clients get the best quality research and the fastest possible turnaround time on every order. As such, we are folds more reliable than our competitors.
A typical title search will take 2-3 days, but often the scope of the search as well as the parcel location will determine the turnaround time. Some clients request title searches that go back 60 or more years. And some properties are located in counties where public records access is limited and cumbersome.
We are customer-focused and understand that timing is critical in many instances. So when an order is placed, our system automatically dispatches the property details to the appropriate certified abstractor. This step ensures the highest quality research and the quickest possible turnaround time. We will summarize our findings and can provide copies of any open documents on the property within the report.
Yes! In many cases we are able to rush a title search request and provide a completed report within a few hours of receiving your order. This is particularly helpful for our auction investors that might be on a tight deadline. When purchasing one of our products online, simply check the Rush Order option at checkout.
If you are interested in a product we don't offer online checkout for, or have additional questions regarding expedited title search services, please call our office at 1 (877) 848-5337. A service rep will gladly review the property information you provide and give you our best possible turnaround time. We will also be able to provide a title search quote at that time.
Yes, TitleSearch.com offers discounts based on volume. If you have a large portfolio project that is spread across the country, we will review the corresponding property data and determine the best possible price we can offer. Also, if your project includes multiple properties to be searched within the same county, we can often offer a discount as well. We also offer volume discounts for enterprise-level clients and government departments ordering hundreds to thousands of searches a month.
Please contact our sales team at (877) 848-5337 to discuss a discounted price and visit our Corporate Client Services page for additional information.
In order to guarantee a title report for a value higher than the amount paid for the report, it would need to come with title insurance. Title insurance is highly regulated and costs significantly more than a title search. Therefore, your search/report is guaranteed up to the cost you paid us for the search/report. Our reports are completed by professional title researchers with years of experience. TitleSearch.com ensures that you will receive the highest quality report, which is the same as those used by attorneys and government agencies for legal proceedings. To find out more, call our offices to speak to one of our service representatives: 1 (877) 848-5337.
Depending on your needs, we can deliver electronically as as Word, Excel, PDF, or JSON formats. For enterprise integrated clients, we can deliver via an API or Webhook request.
For standard delivery we use PDF format. When your title search is complete, we will send you an email with a secure link to your report. You will then be able to download the PDF report and save it to your computer. Adobe PDF Readers, as well as modern web browsers (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge) also support PDF viewing. If your report has many attached referenced exhibits/instruments, you will find it helpful to use the embedded bookmarks.
Yes. Often considered to be the most important facet of a title search, we run a comprehensive lien search and report any open judgments and liens recorded against the property. This includes mortgage liens, and all non-voluntary liens (i.e. tax liens, contractor liens, mechanic liens). We will also examine judgments recorded against the current owner that may encumber the property. If any liens are found during title research, they typically need to be resolved (paid off or negotiated and settled) before any property sale will proceed. This ensures the buyer receives a clear title; free of any outstanding legal claims.
We absolutely do complete title searches on any commercial property. However, the pricing will vary based on the assessed value of the property. This is due to the often complex nature of commercial title research. Commercial parcels typically have more convoluted ownership structures and multiple encumbrances. We will need to gather additional property information from you first to accurately assess the title research costs. Call 1 (877) 848-5337.
Yes. We have an extensive, redundant network of US title searchers and certified title abstractors that allows us to provide title searches to our clients anywhere in the county. Since our inception, we have made it our goal to provide 100% coverage for every county in the United States. In every state we maintain excellent working relationships with key partners, county-insiders, and abstractors in close proximity to their respective recording venues. These relationships are the key to our industry-leading turnaround times.
Yes, you bet! We provide research services in every state, from local homeowners to the largest organizations in the United States. Our customers include federal departments, banking conglomerates, SAAS loan origination softwares (find AFX Research as a vendor on ICE), real estate agencies, insurance firms, environmental companies, attorneys, and of course individual home buyers/sellers.
We are tech forward and savvy; API integration ready for enterprise level partners and clients, support multiple delivery formats (PDF, Word, Excel, and JSON) for abstracted data, and maintain strict security measures to ensure client data safety... making us an easy choice for industry compliance requirements.
Regarding government contracting, AFX Research has provided thousands of title search reports to various government agencies nationwide. We offer flat nationwide pricing on our title search products. We are set up in both IPP.gov and SAM.gov databases.
- DUNS: 070978694,
- Cage Code: 7L8Q3.
Ask about setting up your corporate account and volume pricing at
We are ready to help with your custom title searches or custom property report needs. Your specific reason for purchasing a title report may result in wanting or needing property information outside the scope of traditional title abstracting and title search reports. Or you may simply need to meet certain requirements per your corporate policies; be it tax status, mortgage copies, a specific search back date, or something else. Our property title experts can be reached via: 1 (877) 848-5337
Our customer service representatives can be reached in several ways:
- Call us at 1-877-848-5337.
- Email us using our website Contact Form.
- Use the on our website.
- Fax at 1-678-807-1961.
Our headquarters is located in California. The Customer Service team is available from 8am-5pm Pacific, Monday - Friday.
During a title search, public records for a piece of real property are examined by a researcher or abstractor in order to determine the events that have occurred in its history. The results of the search are compiled into a report so that any relevant information about a given property can be easily determined for prospective buyers, investors, homeowners, amongst others. A title search is also commonly referred to as a:
- Current Owner Search,
- Ownership and Encumbrance Report,
- Title Abstract, and
- Lot Book Search.
But there are other types of title searches that more specifically address different needs:
- Chain of Title,
- Mineral Rights Search,
- Easement Search,
- Full Search, and
- Environmental Search.
Common notable elements of a standard title search are as follows.
- Current Ownership:
- A title search reviews the ownership title chain to assess the current owner(s). This ensures that the current owner(s) has a valid and clear title and that all prior transfers were properly documented.
- Legal Description:
- A search may include a copy or typed legal description of the property to ensure it matches the physical property being sold. The legal description specifies the property boundaries, lot size, and location.
- Tax Status:
- The title search verifies whether property taxes are up-to-date. Unpaid taxes can result in a tax lien, which must be paid off before the property can be transferred.
- Judgments and Liens:
- The search identifies any liens on the property, such as mechanics liens, tax liens, or judgments. These are legal financial claims that must typically be resolved before the property can be sold.
- Other Encumbrances:
- A title search will also include any open mortgages recorded against the property, as this is also an encumbrance that is typically paid in the sale or transfer of a property.
- Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions:
- A title search uncovers any covenants, conditions, or restrictions (CC&Rs) that could limit how the property may be used. These could include rules set by homeowner associations (HOA) or restrictions in placed by prior owners.
A title search is important to:
- Ensures Clear Title: Typically a primary goal of a title search is to ensure that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership and that the buyer will receive a clear title without any unexpected legal issues. The property title report will list any encumbrances that may prevent a sale.
- Protect Against Future Claims: By identifying any potential problems before the sale, title research helps protect the buyer from future claims against the property. This is why it is critical to chose a trusted, experienced title abstractor.
- Facilitate a Property Sale: A clear title is usually required for a sale to proceed. For the buyer to obtain financing, lenders will require assurance that the property is free from significant legal issues.
- Prove Current Ownership: When issuing funding, be it a mortgage, construction loan, or insurance policy payout, lenders will need assurances that the payee is entitled to the funding as a current owner on the property. Ownership history may also be insightful when dealing with property disputes.
In lieu of these important factors, title searches are commonly requested by banks, real estate investors, homeowners, attorneys, insurance companies and government agencies. Many of our clients are looking at properties to purchase for investment purposes. Some of them buy properties through foreclosure, or at auction and use title searches to determine the status of any liens that may exist against the property.
Many real estate buyers want to understand the ownership of a property before making an offer. Some find it helpful for negotiations to get a full financial picture of the prospective property, and seek to know beforehand of any open mortgages, or legal obstacles that may exist for the seller. Our title searches can also be customized to 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 nowadays are checking their own home title status on a regular basis to make sure there are no liens against the property.
Step 1: Your title search order is placed online or by phone. Then, our secure, encrypted server collects the search information. Our title team identifies the property, and we retrieve the preliminary property information. The property identification and order information is transmitted to our examiner / abstractor in the field, who manually searches the county records at the courthouse.
Step 2: The property title search abstractor begins researching the records index to retrieve the documents related to the subject property. Several separate records rooms may need to be visited, depending upon the county. The property title documents are collected from the various books and volumes where they are recorded over the years.
Step 3: The title documents are reviewed, to determine which items pertain to the subject property. Mortgages and liens are cross-referenced for releases, and assignments. The legal and vesting are compared on each document.
Step 4: The outstanding documents are compiled and the property title search abstract is created. The abstract document contains the summary listing of all the recorded liens, mortgages, and deeds which were located. Lien and mortgage amounts are entered into the title search abstract.
Step 5: The documents and abstract are sent to AFX Research headquarters. The order is compiled by our qualified title team, and the documents are annotated and converted to a document image. The completed and certified property title search document is uploaded to a private web link.
Step 6: An email is sent to you, containing the private web link for your completed title search. From the email, your title document can be viewed on-screen, or a copy can be saved to your local computer. You can also print a hard copy, which is exactly the same as what we scanned in. The title search abstract document is an easy-to-read form, with separate, itemized sections for ownership, legal, taxes, mortgages, and liens.
Step 7: We follow up with a call, and email you to ensure that you have received your search documents, and were able to access them. We have the property title search document viewing on our screen, and our title team reviews this with you. Any questions or clarifications you may have as a client are welcome.
All of this is completed in as little as 12 - 72 hours, and your search is sent to you immediately. Throughout the process, the entire team is monitoring the progress of every search. Our title team is glad to be of assistance, we welcome your call.
Property records are saved in the county records offices -and other public records locations -as individual documents; such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Each document represents an event that occurred in history on the property. For a particular property there may be dozens of documents spread out over time which change the status of a property. These documents are not all in one place, as they are stored in different books based on the day and month that the event happened.
A title abstract, also known as a title search or title report, is an official report created by a professional title abstractor, which displays the results of these records. A title abstract document is not available from the county records office, and it is not available electronically.
An official title abstract must be prepared by a professional title searcher who's trained to search public records for property records related to the subject parcel. Creating the title report requires knowledge of title documents and the recording system. A title abstract is a recital of the records found to be located in the title records, with obvious presumptions made such as mortgage refinances and lien releases. A title abstract does not offer legal advice, or title opinion which can only be provided by a qualified attorney. When obtaining property records information, be sure to determine if you will be receiving just raw property records, or a profession title abstract report.
So what is a "property report" or "property card"? You may see that "property reports" are available online for immediate download, sometimes for as little as a few dollars. This "report", which may even claim to be a title search report, is typically a copy of the tax records, showing the name of the assessed owner, and possibly some neighborhood information. It may even provide some available online county records. But this is NOT the same as a title search by a credentialed title abstractor, as it does not guarantee abstracting for encumbrances (i.e. liens, judgments, mortgages, assignments) or ownership transfers, may not include or make reference to documents listed in a title search, and it is not certified as accurate.
No. We are committed to providing confidential, non-intrusive title research. Our search never involves anyone physically visiting the property, and does not necessitate us notifying the property owner or its occupants.
No one will be aware that a title search was even completed on the property other than you, us, and the local title abstractor that completes the research. Furthermore, we enact measures to ensure that the abstractor is not informed of who requested the title search.
Mostly yes. Depending on the city or county where the property resides, a basic title search might be accomplished online. Online searches usually require the creation of an online account, could require paid access or payment for document copies, and their online records may only go back a few years. Some states and counties will specifically not offer online services for document look-up or research. If municipal land records are not available online, you may be able to access the records in person at the respective records office. In some cases you'll be required to present identification to obtain records, or records will be redacted entirely.
In order to ensure that a comprehensive title search is performed, an experienced title abstractor is recommended and can discover recorded documents that an inexperienced searcher will overlook. There are numerous resources available to researchers that extend beyond the municipalities and land records departments in their city or county.
A thorough title search might include ownership status, transfer history, open encumbrances, such as liens and judgments, tax payment status, mortgages and other relevant information pertaining to the property. Often, documents and liens can be cross-referenced in different ways in different counties. Documents can be indexed in a variety of ways, using owner’s name, property address and/or the Assessor’s Parcel number. They will also be stored in varying formats over time; digital, print, microfiche, microfilm, etc.
Pulling all the right documents can be time-consuming and tricky, but in some cases the only cost is that of copy fees. Our professional title searchers provide years of experience locating and collecting relevant documents necessary to do a variety of title searches.
Not really. In the modern environment of the internet and "everything online", it is common to wonder why the process of running a title search is so complex. Like most things, title research will become easier with experience. It can also be easier as counties adopt better technologies. But that is a slow, cumbersome, and usually an expensive endeavor.
Property title records are still recorded and stored as hard-copy paper documents. Information that is contained on hard-copy documents cannot be stored easily in an online database, as can most other types of records. Because of this, title searching involves searching through all of the recorded documents for a property. Property records are recorded the individual county, each of which has different procedures for the records office.
For example, to search for mortgages, the title examiner must first locate the copies of mortgage documents signed by the property owner. All of the papers for a property are not kept together in a group. These copies are kept in books, with each volume corresponding to a particular day and year. In order to locate all the open mortgages, the examiner must go through all the books over time, and find the documents that pertain to the subject property. The county normally keeps an index, which helps the examiner know which books to look in. The examiner must then look for documents that release any of these mortgages that were refinanced, or paid off. The same process is repeated for liens.
In some counties, there are multiple records offices to research. All of the information about the liens, and mortgages is contained in the wording of the documents, which must be retrieved and read individually. From this process, the title search abstract is created for a property.
For a more in depth outline of the documents and information we research, see our 50-Point Title Search article.
Yes. The property assessor parcel number, otherwise known as an APN, along with the State and County (or Parish in Louisiana, Borough in Alaska) it resides, is sufficient to begin researching real estate records and create an official title abstract. APNs are issued by local governments when an existing, larger parcel, is subdivided. Usually that is done on a county level, however it is on occasion at a city level.
If you have geo-coordinates (latitude and longitude), you can use a 3rd party mapping service to covert your coordinates into an address location as well.
That depends. There is no straight answer, other than: A title search should go back as far as your needs dictate.
A common title search called a Current Owner Search will go back to the most recent property transfer recording date. But in some cases, per the law or some requirement, you may need to request a Chain of Title (aka Title Chain) back to a specific date or number of decades. Common chain of title dates are 1980 and 1940, and common decades are 30, 40, 50, and 60 years back from current.
Our certified title abstractors can research as far back into the land records as you need. Our Basic and Expanded Current Owner title search go back to when the current owner received the property per the date of the transfer recording (i.e. from the current deed forward). We can also research specific time frames, if you need to go back 10, 30, 50, or even 100 years, upon request. If you require additional research, contact us so we can understand your specific requirements.
The cost of a title search and the respective abstract (title report) will vary dramatically depending on the scope of your search needs. When discussing price, it should be noted we are talking about a certified title search provided by a professional title abstractor; not a instant "title report" available from several websites, often ripe with inaccuracies with no credibility (learn the different here). Major factors in title searching costs are:
- Type of document copies requested and the number of documents found (aka copy costs).
- Date to search back to (to patent, 1940, 1980, current ownership, etc).
- Type of search (mineral rights vs chain of title vs current owner, etc).
- Scope of search locations (county, or county & state, or county & environmental sites).
- Residential vs commercial property.
As a general rule however:
- Current Owner Search: $200 - $400.
- Chain of Title Search: $300 - $500.
- Full Search: $300 - $700.
Other types of searches, like Mineral Rights Searches or Easement Rights Searches can range from as little as $1,000 in upwards to a few thousand dollars.
Yes. There are a variety of ways to get a title search report for free or cheap. Which method you choose depends on why you need the search.
If you are just trying to find out who currently owns a property, or get a rough idea of its value, there are a number of websites that will provide you with an electronic report for free or relatively cheap (under $50). These reports are as accurate, complete, and up to date as the database they are pulled from... meaning instant reports often contain outdated and inaccurate information. Any report provided instantly is an electronically generated report that has not gone through the abstraction process performed by a certified title researcher.
If you need more extensive information such as a chain of title history, or if it's critically important your report not miss any items such as liens and judgments, you will need to directly view the public records like a professional abstractor would.
The good news is that, in most cities and counties, real estate records are public; meaning anyone can visit the office and retrieve the data or documents needed to create a title search report. In most cases the costs are copy fees (typically a per printed page fee of $1 or more).
On the down side, getting the information you are looking for from public records requires knowing how they are indexed, how to read the documents and understand which ones are relevant and current, and learning the fundamentals on proper public records database searching.
Also, you may need to visit more than one location, such as the recorders office and the county courthouse, to get all the documents that affect your property. All of this may take a great deal of your time.
The bottom line, instant free or cheap property reports are available from many online websites.
- The information may not be complete or up-to-date.
- This is good for a quick "snap shot" if there is not a lot of value at stake.
Full, accurate records are available for free (save copy costs) in most counties.
- It will require travel to the county records office(s) and possibly several hours of your time.
- If completeness and accuracy are very important, consider using a professional abstractor.
- If you do the search yourself, first do research on how to find the relevant documents in your property's county.
TitleSearch.com has extensive experience working with foreclosed, REO (real estate owned), and auction properties. Our Expanded Title Search deeply examines mortgages, assignments and modifications, liens, taxes, and foreclosure documents recorded.
If you are experiencing a foreclosure on your home, or are interested in researching a property going to auction, please call us at 1 (877) 848-5337 to discuss the details of your situation and any approaching deadlines. We will do everything possible to get your information within your time frame.
The term "title search" is used to describe (a) the process of performing the search, and (b) the corresponding report generated. It is sometimes referred to as a "title abstract", "abstract report", "title report", or "title search report". A professional title abstractor researches each recorded document, and then prepares on official title abstract report – a recital of the open documents which appear to be recorded for the subject property. A title abstract is not available from the county records office, nor is it available electronically.
Property records are saved in the county records office as individual documents, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Each document represents an event that occurred in history on the property. For a particular property, there may be dozens of documents spread out over time which change the status of a property. These documents are not all in one place, as they are stored in different books based on the day and month that the event happened.
A title abstract report is an official report created by a professional title abstractor, which displays the results of these records. An official title abstract must be prepared by a professional title searcher. Creating the title report requires knowledge of title documents and the recording system. A title report is a recital of the records found to be located in the title records, with obvious presumptions made such as mortgage refinances and lien releases. A title abstract does not offer legal advice, or title opinion which can only be provided by a qualified attorney.
When obtaining property records information, be sure to determine if you will be receiving just raw property records, or a profession title abstract report.
While there is no standard definition that will cover all types of title search variations, this outline will highlight how to read one of the most popular title searches conducted on a daily basis. For this search type the results will contain the deed/transfer to the current owner, and all subsequent open items, such as liens, mortgages, or other items against the property.
Property and Ownership Information:
Identifies the Assessed Owner, Subject Location, Assessors Parcel Number, and County Effective Date.
Deed and Vesting Information:
Identifies the most current property deed showing the current and prior deeded property owners.
Tax Information:
Identifies the current tax status and assessment values as available at the time of the research. Supporting documentation is not generally available for this section.
Open Mortgages and Deeds of Trust Information:
Identifies each unsatisfied mortgage or deed of trust on record along with any associated recorded assignments, modifications, subordinations, substitution of trustee, or any other related mortgage filings of interest found for the current property during the time period searched. Any subsequent foreclosure filings will be shown in the next section.
Related Judgments, Liens, and UCCs Against Property:
Identifies each unsatisfied Lien, Judgment, UCC, and any foreclosure notices found for the property.
A property deed is a legal document that shows and transfers change of ownership, listing the Grantor and Grantee of property rights. After being recorded at the public records office of it's respective location, it becomes official record. There are several types of deeds. The most common are as follows.
Warranty Deed:
- This offers the most protection to the grantee, as the grantor guarantees that they hold clear title to the property and have the right to transfer it. The grantor also warrants there are no hidden encumbrances or claims on the property.
Quitclaim Deed:
- Transfers whatever interest the grantor may have in the property without any warranties or guarantees. It offers the least protection to the grantee, as the grantor makes no promises about the quality of the title or if they even own the property.
Special Warranty Deed:
- Provides some protection, as the grantor guarantees that they have not done anything to encumber the title during their ownership, but makes no guarantees about any prior owners.
Grant Deed:
- Common in some states, this deed assures the grantee that the property has not been sold to someone else, and that the property is free of any encumbrances made by the grantor.
A quitclaim deed (pronounced quit-claim, and sometimes incorrectly called "quick claim" deeds) is a type of deed where the seller transfers any rights they may have to the property. Unlike other deed types, quitclaims make no guarantee to the status of the property, nor guarantees that the grantor (seller) own the property. Quitclaim deeds are usually simpler and faster to execute than other deed types. Quitclaim deeds are often used by pre-foreclosure investors, foreclosure auctions, and tax deed sales. They are also commonly used by family, for clearing title defects, transferring property into a Trust or LLC, and in low-risk transactions. Using a quitclaim deed carries the risk that the grantee might not receive full or clear ownership of the property.
A general warranty deed is a legal document that conveys interest in real property from grantor (seller) to grantee (buyer). This type of deed guarantees that grantor has clear title to the property and has legal authority to sell the property. Additionally, the grantor promises the property is free of encumbrances or claims during their ownership... and for the entire history of the property. Among various deed types, a general warranty deed provides the highest level of protection to the buyer (grantee).
Since the grantor provides a full warranty of title, General Warranty Deeds are common in standard real estate transactions, especially of high value. A general warranty deed offers the strongest protection to the grantee, ensuring that they receive clear title to the property. If any title issues arise, the grantor is legally obligated to resolve them, even if the issues predate the grantor’s ownership.
An encumbrance on a property is a general term for a legal claim, right, or liability that is attached to the property and can affect its value, use, or transferability. Encumbrances can be financial, such as liens, or non-financial, such as easements, restrictions, or water & mineral rights. They do not prevent the transfer of ownership but can influence how the property is used or the rights of the new owner. Nearly all properties have encumbrances, as it's such an encompassing term. Some encumbrance types are a mortgages, mechanic’s liens, utility easements, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), architectural covenants, use restrictions, encroachments, and leases, and mineral rights.
Encumbrances can reduce the property's value, especially if they limit how the property can be used or if there are significant financial obligations like most liens. While encumbrances do not prevent the sale of a property, they can complicate the transfer process. The buyer may require the seller to resolve certain encumbrances (e.g., paying off liens) before the sale can proceed. During the purchase process, title insurance is often obtained to protect against unknown encumbrances that might arise after the sale. The title company typically conducts a title search to identify any existing encumbrances.
Real estate liens fall into two categories: voluntary and involuntary. A voluntary lien is simply another name for a mortgage. This lien is placed "voluntarily" by the property owner, as security to get a mortgage.
Involuntary liens are typically those associated with searching for property liens, and are placed on a property against the will of the property owner "involuntarily".
There are many types of Involuntary Liens; tax liens, Federal tax liens, mechanic's liens, judgment liens, HOA liens, child support liens, municipal liens, and many more. These are an important type of lien to search. When ordering a title search, be sure to check which type of liens are being searched. The most straightforward way to remove an involuntary lien is to pay off the debt in full. Once the debt is paid, the lienholder is required to release the lien. Sometimes, the property owner can negotiate with the lienholder to reduce the amount owed or establish a payment plan, which might lead to the lien being lifted. After the debt is satisfied, the lienholder should file a lien release with the appropriate government office to officially remove the lien from the property records.
To determine who placed a lien on your property there's a couple steps you can take. Check any notices you’ve received in the mail, as notice usually is sent and includes details about the lien, the amount owed, and the reason for the lien. Otherwise, you can review public records at your county recorder's office, or consider requesting a title search. Common lien holders include:
- contractors,
- builders,
- ex-spouse,
- business partners,
- employers,
- materials delivery,
- governments (city, county, state, federal),
- lawsuits,
- personal credit issuers,
- zoning departments, and
- HOA.
Once you identify the lienholder, you can take steps to address the lien, such as paying off the debt or disputing the claim.
A mortgage is a method of using real property as collateral, typically residential or commercial real estate, for a loan between a lender and a homeowner. A voluntary lien is recorded in the land records, often referred to as a deed of trust. The borrower makes monthly payments over a set term for both principal and interest.
Mortgages come in various forms, including fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, and government-backed options. If the borrower fails to repay the loan as agreed, the lender has the right to take possession of the property through a process called foreclosure.
A mortgage typically consists of:
- principal amount,
- interest rate,
- loan term length,
- amortization,
- down payment amount,
- monthly payment amount,
- mortgage insurance, and
- escrow account.
There are many types of mortgages. Traditional ones include:
- fixed-rate, and
- adjustable-rate (ARM), and
- government-backed (FHA, VA, and USDA loans), and
- jumbo.
A second mortgage is an additional loan taken out against a property that already has a primary mortgage. It uses the equity in the property as collateral, similar to the first mortgage.
The second mortgage is subordinate to the first mortgage. Eg: In the event of foreclosure, the first mortgage is paid off before the second mortgage. The recorded date of the mortgage is the determining factor between a 1st and 2nd mortgage within the official land records.
Common types of second mortgages are Home Equity Loans or Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC), although other loans exist, especially in the hard money or private lending market. Second mortgages typically have higher interest rates, and shorter payback periods.
So how can you tell if you have a second mortgage? Well, check your mail! All jokes aside, if you are unsure about a second mortgage position on any property, you can research the public records office for mortgage recordings, or simply order a title search.
A mortgage assignment is the legal, recorded document showing the transfer of a mortgage from one lender to another. This transfer includes all rights and obligations associated with the mortgage; collecting payments and enforcing loan terms.
Assignor (original lender) and Assignee (new lender) are the parties involved. This will often arise over the course of a long term mortgage that remains unsatisfied due to the sale of the loan or a loan servicing transfer. Typically law requires notification to the mortgagee (borrower) of the assignment.
Loan terms do not change due to assignment, and payment terms remain as originally agreed.
Taxes and tax status may be included in a title search report depending on the type of report ordered. Traditional title searches, like a Current Owner Search (such as our Basic Economy and Expanded Title Searches), will include tax information. Typically a Full Title Search will also include tax information.
Current and delinquent property tax amount, along with tax status, are provided on these title search reports. Recorded tax liens on the subject property are shown which may be from the city, county, state or federal agencies.