A title tracks ownership of real estate. When property is sold, the title is transferred from one party to another. It is therefore a crucial component of a property transaction. This blog provides advice on title searches for MA home purchases, what it is, and its importance.
Title Explanation
Title is paperwork stating the ownership and right to use a property. It is not one particular document but a group of documents such as deeds, legal documents, property indexes, mortgages, etc. These are recorded at the local Registry of Deeds and is publicly available.
Title Searches For MA Home Purchases
A title search is a thorough examination of historical documents relating to a certain property. It begins with the existing owners and traces back to preceding owners. The goal of the title search is to find any issues or current claims on a home. The final goal is to verify that an owner has the right to convey ownership to a buyer.
Possible Title Problems
A title search can expose problems such as a lien on a property not being released, unpaid taxes, and judgments against a seller. Some of these may be easily fixed in time for the planned closing while others may require significant time and money to mend. Furthermore, certain defects may be concealed and not easily revealed even with a good title search. Some examples are forgeries, misrepresented facts, inaccurate deeds, and clerical errors. These may stay concealed for several years and may jeopardize the rights of the current owner when finally exposed. Title insurance is a program designed to cover this risk but may not include coverage for every scenario.
Important Title Facts
Title searches are a crucial step in the home purchase process and are generally completed by a closing attorney or closing agent. No matter how extensive a title search is, it is worthwhile for buyers to consider buying title insurance to cover difficult to find problems. Speak to your attorney for more advice on title searches for MA home purchases and to make an educated choice about title insurance. For more information, please contact Christopher Graves at Emery Federal Credit Union by calling 978-376-5389 or 781-759-1200 x22 or emailing christopher.d.graves@gmail.com