A title details ownership of a home. When a home is sold, the title is conveyed from one person to another. It is therefore a crucial element of a property transaction. This blog provides advice on title searches for Southern NH home purchases, what it is, and why it is significant.

Title Definition

Title is paperwork declaring the ownership and right to use a property. It is not one specific document but a set of documents including deeds, legal documents, property indexes, mortgages, etc. These are kept on record at the local Registry of Deeds and are available to the public.

Title Searches For Southern NH Home Purchases

A title search is a detailed analysis of historical documents on a specific property. It begins with the current owners and traces back to past owners. The goal of the title search is to look for any problems or unsettled claims that any party may have to a property. The final purpose is to verify that an owner has the ability to transfer ownership to a buyer.

Potential Title Problems

A title search may uncover problems such as a property lien not being cleared, unpaid taxes, and judgments against a seller. Some of these can be quickly fixed prior to the planned closing while others may require more time and resources to mend. Additionally, some defects may be concealed and not easily identified even with a good title search. Some examples are forgeries, misrepresented facts, problematic deeds, and clerical mistakes. These may remain hidden for many years and can compromise the rights of the current owner when finally exposed. Title insurance is designed to address this risk but does not apply to every scenario.

Why Title Searches Are Important

Title searches are a important part of the home buying process and are usually performed by a closing attorney or closing agent. No matter how extensive a title search is, it is worthwhile for home buyers to consider buying title insurance to cover hidden problems. Consult with your attorney for further details on title searches for Southern NH home purchases and to make an educated decision on title insurance.