Spring is a common time for house hunting; mortgage applications typically begin to increase at the beginning of February and grow steadily in the following months. When you’re in the market to buy a house, you keep hearing “title search” but first-time homebuyers may not feel entirely certain of what that means.
A title search is a search of the public records to determine ownership of the property and to identify defects shown in the public records. In simple terms, the title lists any errors, judgments, restrictions, and other issues related to the property in the public records. Even if your home is new, the land involved still has a history to be researched. A title search will only reveal defects shown in the public records. Title insurance based on an attorney’s title search covers defects shown in the public records plus other defects that are not recorded in the public record, such as a forged deed. Normally, there is no need to conduct the title search until you have a contract to purchase the house. The standard Offer to Purchase requires the seller to deliver clear title and if the title search reveals defects then you do not have to close on the property.
When you sign the Offer to Purchase on the house you plan to purchase, contact the team of Kelly & West and we’ll conduct a title search and answer any questions you have about the real estate process. You can read more in our post, 6 Legal Questions to Ask Before Buying a Home. Only an attorney can explain any legal problem and provide legal suggestions.
“Reggie Kelly is a fantastic attorney with fantastic paralegals. My wife and I have been using him and his firm since 1983 when we first purchased property in Harnett County 37 years ago. He offers excellent legal advice and guidance. He never gets in a hurry to get us out the door because of his next appointment. He always takes the time needed to check out all of the issues that might come up. Reggie Kelly is a proud American and he loves our country and he wants everyone to do well. Reggie Kelly is an even finer person than he is a fantastic attorney and we are very fortunate to also be able to call him and his wife Cheryl our friends. We give him a 10 STAR Review!”