What is a title search?
Want to know exactly what a title search will reveal about a property? Read this short, hard-hitting breakdown.
Quick answer: What a title search is
A title search is a focused search of public records to confirm who legally owns a property and whether any legal claims or liens exist against it. In plain terms: it proves ownership and exposes problems that could block a sale or reduce value.
Why a title search matters right now
Buyers, sellers, and lenders rely on the title search to avoid surprises. Skip it and you inherit other people’s debts, easements, or ownership disputes. A clean title means you can sell, refinance, or transfer ownership without legal headaches.
What a title search reveals
- Current owner name and chain of ownership
- Mortgages, liens, and unpaid taxes
- Easements, right-of-way, and encroachments
- Covenants, restrictions, and zoning notes
- Judgments, bankruptcies, or legal claims tied to the property
- Historic transfers and recorded documents (deeds, wills)
Search terms to remember: title search, property title search, land title search, title defects, clear title, title search report.
The title search process — simple steps
- Order the title search through a title company, land registry or lawyer.
- Search public records at the land registry office and municipal sources.
- Compile a title search report listing liens, encumbrances and ownership history.
- Review for defects or missing documents.
- Clear issues before closing or get title insurance.
Typical time: 24 hours to a few weeks depending on jurisdiction and complexity. Typical cost: varies by province and property complexity; often a few hundred dollars.
Common title defects and red flags
- Missing signatures on past transfers
- Unpaid property taxes or builder liens
- Undischarged mortgages or judgments
- Unknown heirs or probate issues
- Easements that limit property use If you see these, don’t guess. Resolve them or demand price adjustment or seller remediation.
Who handles title searches
- Title companies and title searchers
- Real estate lawyers or notaries
- Licensed realtors often coordinate and advise For complex title defects, use a real estate lawyer. For speed and practical advice, use an experienced realtor.
How I help buyers and sellers (straight talk)
I run thorough property title searches, interpret the title search report, and push to clear defects before closing. If a title search flags risk, I negotiate the fix or secure title insurance. That prevents surprises that cost time and money.
Want certainty on your next property? Contact Tony Sousa — local realtor who handles legal & documentation with precision. Email: tony@sousasells.ca | Phone: 416-477-2620 | https://www.sousasells.ca
If you’re buying or selling, get a title search. Do it early. Win peace of mind.
