What is a title search?

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: [email protected] | 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.