Before you can close on the purchase of your private home, you must go through several steps. One of the most pivotal steps that you must undergo is a property title search. Read on to discover what to expect from a property title search and how one of the seasoned New York home purchasing lawyers at Zimmet Law Group, P.C. can support you during this step.
What can I expect in a property title search?
Firstly, a property title search works to ensure that the seller has the legal right to sell the private home in the first place. In other words, this search confirms that there on no claims, loans, liens, or other issues with the private property that may affect its sale. Essentially, with this likely being the biggest purchase you will make in your lifetime, this step may offer you peace of mind before it is too late to turn back.
You may expect a property title company to conduct this search. It may do so by combing through public records and legal documents to identify any relevant information regarding the private property for sale. More specifically, the steps involved in a property title search read as follows:
- A collection of information regarding the chain of title, which is a historical trail of who held the property and when (i.e., the order of property transfers from one owner to the next).
- A tax search, which is an investigation into whether there were any taxes levied against the property in the past or recent past.
- A site inspection, which is a confirmation of the location, lot size, residents living on the property, and claims of any rights to the property.
- A judgment search, which is an investigation into whether the property is subject to any feuds.
Afterward, the property title company may submit its report to the seller’s attorney. From here, the seller’s attorney is responsible for following up with clarification on any outstanding issues flagged in the search.
How can a real estate lawyer help me with this step?
It is possible to take it upon yourself to conduct an independent property title search. You may do so by visiting the county clerk’s office, in the county where the private property for sale is located.
However, it is almost always recommended to turn to your real estate lawyer to help with this step. While your lawyer may conduct this search themself, they may also employ an independent property title company on your behalf. Either way, you may trust your lawyer to get the job done and come back with an accurate prognosis.
At the end of the day, your search requires one of the competent New York purchase and sale lawyers in your corner. So please get in touch with us at Zimmet Law Group, P.C.
