[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/cloud03.titletapsites.com\/testblog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/21\/2026\/02\/Title-Examination-header-1.png” alt=”Intellectual Property Law Blog Header” title_text=”Title Examination header (1)” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text disabled_on=”off|off|off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ text_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_2_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_2_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_3_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_3_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_4_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_4_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_5_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_5_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” header_6_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” header_6_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion _builder_version=”4.18.0″ vertical_offset_tablet=”0″ horizontal_offset_tablet=”0″ hover_enabled=”0″ z_index_tablet=”0″ toggle_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” toggle_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” toggle_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” closed_toggle_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” closed_toggle_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” closed_toggle_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_link_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_link_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_link_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_ul_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_ul_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_ul_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_ol_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_ol_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_ol_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” body_quote_text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” body_quote_text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” body_quote_text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” box_shadow_horizontal_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_vertical_tablet=”0px” box_shadow_blur_tablet=”40px” box_shadow_spread_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_horizontal_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_vertical_length_tablet=”0px” text_shadow_blur_strength_tablet=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What is a Title Examination?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A Title Examination is the detailed study of public records to determine the legal ownership of a specific parcel of real property. The primary goal is to verify that the seller has the right to transfer the property and to identify any restrictions, liens, or encumbrances that might affect the buyer’s use or ownership.<\/p>\n
An examiner typically traces the “chain of title” back through a specific period, often 40 to 60 year depending on state law. This process ensures the buyer is receiving a “marketable title,” which is free from reasonable doubt or the threat of litigation.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What is a Chain of Title?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
The Chain of Title is the chronological history of all recorded transfers of a property. Think of it as a genealogical tree for a piece of land. Each “link” in the chain is a deed or a legal transfer from a “Grantor” (seller) to a “Grantee” (buyer).<\/p>\n
If a link is missing, for example, if a previous owner died and their estate was never properly probated, the chain is considered “broken.” A broken chain of title creates a cloud on the title that must be resolved, often through a Quiet Title Action, before the property can be sold or insured.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What are %22Clouds on Title%22?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A Cloud on Title refers to any document, claim, or unreleased lien that invalidates or impairs the owner’s title to a property. Common examples include:<\/p>\n
During the examination, these clouds are identified in a Title Commitment or preliminary report. Most must be cleared (resolved) before a lender will provide a mortgage or a title insurance policy is issued.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”How does the Recording System work?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
In the United States, title records are maintained at the county level, usually in the County Recorder’s Office or Clerk of the Court. The U.S. uses a “race-notice” or “notice” system, depending on the state.<\/p>\n
These systems reward the first person to record their interest in a property. Recording a deed provides “constructive notice” to the world that you own the land. If a buyer fails to record their deed and the previous owner sells the land again to a second buyer, the second buyer might legally own the property if they were unaware of the first sale.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What is an Abstract of Title?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]An Abstract of Title is a condensed, written history of all recorded instruments affecting a particular tract of land. It includes a summary of all deeds, mortgages, wills, and legal proceedings that have touched the property over time.<\/p>\n
While abstracts were the standard in the past, they have largely been replaced by Title Insurance in modern residential transactions. However, in many rural areas or for complex commercial deals, an attorney still reviews an updated abstract to provide a formal “Title Opinion.”[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What is the difference between a Title Search and a Title Examination?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
While often used interchangeably, they are distinct steps:<\/p>\n
The examiner looks for technical defects, such as a signature that wasn’t properly notarized, a legal description with a typo (e.g., “North” instead of “South”), or a failure to waive dower or curtesy rights by a spouse.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What are Easements and Encumbrances?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]An encumbrance is any right to or interest in land which may exist in third persons, to the diminution of the value of the land. The most common type is an easement.<\/p>\n
An easement gives a person or entity the right to use part of the land for a specific purpose, such as a utility company running power lines or a neighbor using a shared driveway. During an examination, these are identified so the buyer understands they cannot build structures over utility lines or block a neighbor’s access.[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”How do Liens affect a Title?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A lien is a financial claim against a property used as security for a debt. If a lien is “attached” to the property, it “runs with the land,” meaning the new owner could be held responsible for the debt if it isn’t cleared at closing.<\/p>\n
Common liens found during examination:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”What is a Title Commitment?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
A Title Commitment is a document issued by a title insurance company stating that they are willing to insure the property, provided certain requirements are met. It is the end result of the title examination.<\/p>\n
The commitment is divided into schedules:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” theme_builder_area=”post_content” title=”Why is Title Insurance necessary after an examination?” hover_enabled=”0″ sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
Even the most thorough examination can miss “hidden defects” that do not appear in public records. These include:<\/p>\n
Title Insurance protects the owner and lender against financial loss from these hidden risks. While the examination finds the “knowns,” the insurance policy protects you from the “unknowns.”<\/p>\n
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Th<\/span>ese FAQs<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>are <\/span>for general informational purposes only and <\/span>are<\/span> not legal advice. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Title ExaminationA Title Examination is the detailed study of public records to determine the legal ownership of a specific parcel of real property. The primary goal is to verify that the seller has the right to transfer the property and to identify any restrictions, liens, or encumbrances that might affect […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[229],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13978","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-title-examination"],"yoast_head":"\n