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.
To get more answers and a quote for property title search, call 1-877-848-5337.