What is a title search?
Property records are saved in the county records office as individual documents, such as deeds, mortgages, and liens. Each document represents an event that occurred in history on the property. For a particular property, there may be dozens of documents spread out over time which change the status of a property. These documents are not all in one place, as they are stored in different books based on the day and month that the event happened.

A title search also referred to as a title abstract report is an official report created by a professional title abstractor, which displays the results of these records. A title abstract document is not available from the county records office, and it is not available electronically.

An official title abstract must be prepared by a professional title searcher. Creating the title report requires knowledge of title documents and the recording system. A title report is a recital of the records found to be located in the title records, with obvious presumptions made such as mortgage refinances and lien releases. A title abstract does not offer legal advice, or title opinion which can only be provided by a qualified attorney.

When obtaining property records information, be sure to determine if you will be receiving just raw property records, or a profession title abstract report. Back to questions

Can I do a title search myself?
Absolutely. In most counties and cities, records are public, meaning anyone can visit the office and retrieve the data or documents needed to create a title search. In most cases, the only costs are copying fees, usually only about a dollar per page for copies. Keep in mind, however, that ascertaining the correct documents can be difficult and time-consuming. Documents and liens are often cross-referenced differently in different counties: sometimes they are filed by owner’s name, sometimes by address, and in other cases PN# is used. Using a professional title search firm like TitleSearch.com ensures that an experienced abstractor is collecting all relevant documents and performing the search accurately and efficiently. Back to questions

What is the difference between a property report and a title search?
You may see that property reports are available online, sometimes for as little as $10. This report is usually a copy of the tax records, showing the name of the assessed owner, and possibly with some neighborhood information. This is NOT the same as a title search, as it does not search for liens, or ownership transfers. Back to questions

Do you search for liens?
Yes, this is one of the most integral aspects of a title search. In searching for the property, all open liens recorded against the current owner of the property are listed. This includes both mortgage liens, and all non-voluntary liens such as tax liens, contractor liens, etc. Back to questions

Is the property owner notified of a search?
No, our search does not involve visiting the property, or notifying the owner, or occupants. County records offices do not normally make notice of searches either. Back to questions

What about commercial properties?
We generally offer searches on commercial properties at the same pricing. However, in some cases if the property value is excessive, or the records are abnormally complex, a commercial search may be priced higher and a longer turnaround period may be necessary. We always contact clients before proceeding in these situations. Back to questions

What are Involuntary Liens?
Real estate liens fall into two categories: voluntary and involuntary.

A voluntary lien is simply another name for a mortgage. This lien is placed “voluntarily” by the property owner, as security to get a mortgage.

Involuntary liens are typically those associated with searching for property liens. Tax liens, mechanics liens, and judgment liens, amongst others, are liens placed on a property against the will of the property owner, or “involuntarily”. These are an important type of lien to search When ordering a title search, be sure to check which type of liens are being searched. Back to questions

Who may have placed a lien on a property?
Some examples include:

Contractors
Builders
Ex-spouse
Business partners
Employers
Materials delivery
Government (City,County, State, Federal)
Lawsuit
Personal credit issuers
Zoning departments
HOA
Back to questions

How long will it take to get my title search results back?
Basic Ownership searches are typically returned same day/next day. Platinum Full & Expanded title searches on average take between 12- 72 hours (not including weekends). Extensive searches, research spanning over 10 years and remote locations may require additional time to fully review the filings. Many of our search teams around the country are set up on a PDA system, allowing for instant delivery as it comes into our website. If your research is time sensitive or you have a hard deadline feel free to contact us toll free at 877-848-5337 to expedite your order or email rush@afxllc.com. We will make every effort to ensure your deadline is met. Back to questions

How are the results sent to me?
Results of title searches are sent via email. The full search often contains document image copies, which are scanned to PDF files for easy viewing on any computer. Documents can be viewed on screen, downloaded to a computer, or printed. Hard copies are available to be sent by either USPS or Fedex upon request (Processing, Copy & Shipping fees apply) please contact your sales team at 877-848-5337 for more details. Back to questions

How do I contact you?
We are available by whatever means is most convenient for you.

By Phone: Toll Free 877-848-5337.
By Email: info@titlesearch.com
By Fax: Toll Free 800-201-0620
or use the Live Help function on our website. For any inquiries not addressed on this page feel free to contact us through any of these channels. Back to questions