Title search

The legal right to own and use a property. Title is not a single document; it is shown by the deed and public records, and must be clear for a sale to close smoothly.

The recorded history of every transfer of a property from one owner to the next. Gaps or errors in the chain can delay a sale until they are fixed.

A legal claim against a property that secures a debt, such as a mortgage, unpaid taxes or contractor bills. Liens generally must be paid off or released before the property can be sold with clear title.

Any claim, lien or error in the records that casts doubt on who owns a property. It usually must be cleared before the sale can close.

A one-time policy that covers losses from title problems missed by the search, such as forgery or unknown heirs. Lenders require a lender's policy; the owner's policy protects the buyer. Who pays varies by state and local custom.