Can I review the title before closing?
Can I review the title before closing? Yes — Do this first.
Quick answer: Yes — and you must
You can and should review the title before closing. The title report, title search and closing statement reveal liens, mortgages, easements, and other encumbrances that can block your move or cost you money. Don’t close blind.
Why title review matters for closing and moving
A clean title = smooth closing and a stress-free move. Missed liens, unpaid property taxes, or an unresolved mortgage can delay closing, stop your move, or force you into costly legal fixes later. Reviewing the title early protects your money and your timeline.
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What you should get and when
- Title report / title commitment: the full picture of ownership, liens and encumbrances.
- Closing disclosure / statement: final numbers, payoffs, and adjustments.
- Legal description and buyer name verification.
Request these documents at least 7–14 days before closing. Your lawyer or title company will usually produce the title search. If you don’t see it, ask your agent or lawyer immediately.
What to look for in the title review (actionable checklist)
- Outstanding mortgages or lines of credit tied to the property.
- Property tax arrears or local assessment holds.
- Registered liens, judgments or bankruptcy notices.
- Easements, rights-of-way, or restrictive covenants that affect use.
- Incorrect legal description or misspelled buyer name.
- Pending builder or contractor liens (construction lien searches).
If any of these appear, don’t ignore them. Note them, ask your lawyer for an explanation, and insist they be cleared or insured before closing.
Title insurance: what it does and why to get it
Title insurance protects you after closing against hidden defects that a title search might miss — forged documents, undisclosed heirs, errors in public records. It’s a one-time cost that can save you thousands. Ask your lawyer how a policy would apply to your purchase.
If you find an issue, here’s the playbook
- Pause the clock: don’t sign closing documents until your lawyer confirms the issue is resolved.
- Get written confirmation from your lawyer or title company about the fix or an insurance commitment.
- If the seller must clear a debt, get a written payoff instruction and confirmation before funds transfer.
- If unresolved, negotiate a price adjustment, escrow holdback, or delay closing.
Closing and moving checklist (final steps)
- Confirm cleared title and written title insurance commitment.
- Verify final closing statement and fund transfer instructions.
- Confirm possession date and key handover.
Trusted help and next step (clear call-to-action)
If you want a stress-free closing and worry-free move, get a professional review now. Tony Sousa is a local realtor with deep experience in closing and title matters. Email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620 to schedule a quick title review and get a free pre-closing checklist. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca for more resources.
Don’t wait. Review the title now and move with confidence.
