What is a Real Estate Title Search?

As you embark on your search in Pennsylvania, the first and most important step is understanding the basics about property titles and property title searches. A property title is a document that shows legal proof of ownership for a specific property. A property title search is a report that is composed of information collected through public records on a property that confirms the legal owner of that property.

What is the Difference Between a Title and a Deed?

It is common for people to use the terms title and deed interchangeably, but they are not one in the same. A deed is proof that the named owner of the property has the legal right to use the property. It is a legal document given to the owner once any debts against the property, such as a mortgage, have been paid in full. On the other hand, a title contains detailed information regarding the property in addition to any liens or claims that have been placed on it. The title represents the rights and ownership that the property owner has over the property.

For more information regarding titles and deeds, visit our FAQ page.

Why Should You Perform a Property Title Search in Pennsylvania?

Before you make any real estate purchase in Pennsylvania, there are many reasons that you should perform a property title search. The number one reason to perform a property title search is to ensure that you are making a secure investment. You’ll have the opportunity to discover any current or potential issues with the property you’re interested in purchasing and you’ll be able to make thoughtful, educated decisions.

A property title search will reveal any hidden debts, liens, restrictions, and easements that may be attached to the property you wish to purchase, all of which can tremendously impact your decision to buy and how you will be able to use the property or sell it later on. Additionally, the property title search will allow you to verify the owner’s legal right to sell the property.

Uncover Deed Restrictions and Easements

When you perform a property title search in Pennsylvania, you’ll uncover any deed restrictions that may limit the ways in which a property may be used. (1) Examples of deed restrictions include everything from the building of fences to running a business from your home, and it’s crucial to be aware of these restrictions before purchasing any property.

A property title search will also uncover any easements on the property. To put it simply, an easement is when another person has the right to use a piece of someone else’s land. There are various scenarios that may result in an easement. For example, a neighbor may need to use a road or driveway on someone else’s land to access their own. Alternatively, a utility company or railroad company may need access to land in order to maintain electricity, plumbing, or to lay tracks. It’s imperative to know if anyone else has the right to use a piece of land before you make your purchase.

Learn the Purchase History

When you order a property title search, you’ll learn not only current information regarding the property, but you’ll also learn about its unique history. You will learn about key events that may have occurred on the property over the years.

Discover Hidden Issues

There are a few issues that commonly present themselves during a property title search: mismatched names, outstanding liens, and hidden co-owners. If these issues are left unaddressed, they can delay or prevent the sale of the property. Other potential issues include unpaid taxes, bankruptcies, and various debts.

How Much is a Title Search in Pennsylvania?

Every property title search is different, and in the state of Pennsylvania you will find that the price of one depends on how complicated the search turns out to be. For example, if the property in question has a long, complex history, completing the property title search will be more laborious than one with a simple history.

In the event that you require additional searches, such as those for trusts, wills, or potential heirs, there will also be additional costs. A full search uncovers all of the public information that relates to the property, and this will be more expensive as well.

Conversely, a simple search will be much less expensive. If you choose to work with Title Search Direct, you can begin your title search in Pennsylvania for as little as $35.

Who Completes the Title Search in the Buying Process in Pennsylvania?

During the process of purchasing a property, there will come a time when a title search is initiated and must be completed by a title search company. Even though all of the information collated into a property title search is public record, much of this information is challenging to locate. By enlisting the services of an experienced professional title search company like Title Search Direct, you’ll receive an accurate, succinct report filled with all of the necessary information. 

In the event that you’re considering purchasing a property with a decades-long, storied ownership history, you’ll likely find that reporting can quickly become confusing, and in many cases the language and legal jargon may be hard to understand. Working with a title search company means that you’ll be able to easily understand the information contained in your property title search report.

In the state of Pennsylvania, the property buyer is typically responsible for the cost of the title search.

How Long Does a Title Search Take?

The amount of time it takes to complete a property title search varies greatly based on the complexity of the search. That said, most Pennsylvania property title searches at Title Search Direct are completed within eight to fourteen business days. That time frame may be longer in the event of bank holidays and throughout peak homebuying season.

When thinking about how long it may take to perform a property title search, it’s helpful to consider the age of the property. Older properties have longer histories, and performing a thorough search will take a longer amount of time because there will likely be significantly more documentation.

You’ll also want to factor in how extensive the search is as well as the type of search being performed when you’re calculating the amount of time it will take to complete. The more detail required, the longer the search will take.

Get Started with Title Search Direct

If you’re ready to begin your Pennsylvania property title search, Title Search Direct is standing by to ensure fast, reliable, and easy service. Title Search Direct is the country’s top provider of title searches, and our team of experienced professionals will ensure that you have all of the detailed information you need to make informed purchasing decisions.

With 25 years of experience researching and retrieving public records, Title Search Direct understands the property title search process in Pennsylvania inside and out. Real Estate is our passion, and we’re standing by, ready to help.

It couldn’t be easier to initiate your Pennsylvania property title search. Simply use our online search service, and in just a few clicks our team will be hard at work retrieving the public record information you need to move forward with your real estate purchase.

1. Amy Pawlukiewicz, Demystifying Property Title Search: Your Questions, Answered https://www.homelight.com/blog/buyer-what-is-a-property-title-search/