Real Estate: Common Title Issues and Solutions

Property title issues can significantly complicate real estate transactions. Understanding common problems helps you protect your investment. ## What is a Property Title? A property title is the legal document proving ownership. Clear title means the property is free from claims, liens, or disputes. ## Common Title Issues **Liens**: Unpaid debts (taxes, mortgages) create liens against the property. These must be resolved before purchase. **Boundary Disputes**: Disagreements about property lines between neighbors. Survey evidence helps resolve these issues. **Previous Liens**: Claims from previous owners or contractors working on the property that weren't properly released. **Missing Documents**: Lost deeds or improperly recorded documents creating ownership uncertainty. ## Title Insurance Title insurance protects you against financial loss from undiscovered title defects. It's a one-time premium that covers most issues. ## Resolution Steps - Conduct a thorough title search - Review the abstract and survey - Obtain title insurance - Resolve identified issues before closing - Work with an attorney to clear title ## Protecting Your Investment Professional real estate legal services ensure clean title transfer and protect your property rights for years to come.