When should I contact a title company to do a title search? I have already checked the recorder of deeds office for a SS I am working, but should I also have a title company do a search. My guess is that they are better at spotting issues I may have missed. The bank has not yet accepted my offer. I know that in the contract provisions exist dealing with title searches. I found one lien on this property for 1k from the dept of water and last years taxes were not payed. How is this handled?
Howdy Bovine:
Most title agents want a copy of the signed contract before they will open title. If you use a title company they will pay the liens and last years taxes at the closing. You will also get credit for this years taxes that the seller should pay unless you agree to a different arrangement with the seller.
Hey,
Go to the county clerk’s office or website and type in the owner’s name and any deriviations thereof or aliases and see what shows up. You might find some judgements against the owner that could possibly cloud the title or tie up the property.
Peace,
Richard