Fort Worth Title Search Lawyer
Tarrant County Residential Real Estate Attorney Providing Legal Help Throughout the Title Process
During a residential real estate transaction, the buyer and seller will need to make sure ownership of the property can be transferred successfully. As the parties work to meet all of their requirements prior to the closing date of the transaction, they will need to identify and address any issues that may affect the title of the home. A title search is a crucial part of this process, and it will help the parties determine whether there are any encumbrances on the property that will prevent the transfer of ownership, as well as any ownership claims by other parties or other issues that will affect their ability to complete the transaction.
A skilled real estate attorney can perform a title search and work with the parties to resolve any issues that are discovered. The lawyers of Gonzalez Law, PLLC serve as title agents for Alamo Title Company, and we work with buyers and sellers to complete title transactions successfully. We can ensure that title insurance will provide protection against losses due to liens or other issues that may be discovered during a title search, and we can provide guidance on the best ways to resolve disputes or overcome obstacles that may affect a transaction.
Steps Followed During a Title Search
A title search may be performed by a real estate attorney or an agent with a title company. During this process, they will usually complete the following steps:
- Preliminary report – Following an initial request for title insurance, a report may be created that provides information about the current ownership of the property. This report will include information from public records identifying the owner, the location of the property, outstanding debts such as mortgage liens, and details about property taxes.
- On-site searches and examinations – A more detailed search of records will gather additional information about a property, including the chain of title that details when ownership of the property has been transferred in the past. This may help identify any ownership claims that other parties may have toward the property. Name and judgment searches may also be performed to determine whether there are any encumbrances on the property. These may include judgment liens by creditors, mechanic’s liens by contractors or subcontractors who were not paid for work performed on the property, or tax liens issued by the IRS or by a local government that is seeking to collect unpaid property taxes.
- Technical review – A thorough review of the records uncovered during on-site searches and examinations will determine how these issues will affect the transfer of ownership of the property. The review will look at what needs to be done to remove encumbrances and ensure that a title transfer can occur, as well as whether there will be any issues that will affect the buyer’s ability to use the property as intended.
- Inspection analysis – A physical inspection of the property can ensure that records detailing the size of the property and its boundaries are correct. This inspection may also identify any encroachments on the property by neighbors or easements that may affect a buyer’s ability to complete construction, make improvements, or otherwise use the property as they wish.
Contact Our Dallas Title Search Attorneys
A title search is one of the most important parts of a residential real estate transaction. Gonzalez Law, PLLC can make sure title issues that affect buyers and sellers are identified correctly, and we can provide guidance on how to resolve any concerns that are uncovered. We work to protect our clients’ rights and ensure that they can complete the closing process successfully. Contact us today and get legal help by calling (817) 349-7330 and arranging a free consultation. We provide representation in real estate transactions in Haltom City, Fort Worth, Saginaw, Forest Hill, Tarrant County, Richland Hills, Dallas, Plano, White Settlement, and Arlington.