Title Search Connecticut

What is a Property Title Search?

Also known as a real estate search, a property title search is a necessary step to take on the way to purchasing your Connecticut dream home. Its purpose is to verify the seller’s right to transfer ownership of property, as well as to discover any defects or encumbrances on the title. It confirms that the seller of said property is its legal owner and ensures that there are no existing issues attached to said property that might significantly complicate or even prohibit a sale. As the prospective owner, you will need to be assured that the title is free and clear before moving forward with your real estate investment.

Why Do I Need to Perform a Connecticut Property Title Search?

There will come a time early in your process of purchase when you will need to initiate a property title search. While you may be eager to jump right into buying your new home, there are a number of reasons why conducting a property title search is a prudent first step.  Beyond confirming that your seller is the legal owner of your dream property, you will want to know what encumbrances, if any, exist on the property. A title search will uncover all of the information you need to move forward with confidence with your purchase.  

During a real estate title search, issues that may come to light could be errors or defects in the chain of title, liens, pending probate issues, deed restrictions, easements or a certain heir’s claim on the property. Matters such as these could potentially cause you concern and may affect how you imagine using the property or selling it somewhere down the line. They could imply a more arduous road ahead than the one you have had in mind in the process of purchasing this property. 

On the other hand, you may be relieved to discover that there is a very clear and simple path to your real estate purchase. Either way, it is imperative for a serious buyer to perform a property title search in order to make an informed and thoughtful decision. But fear not! Many issues that rise to the surface during a real estate title search can be easily resolved with the relevant parties.  

What are Deed Restrictions and Easements?

We’re glad you asked! Generally speaking, deed restrictions are limitations on what you can do with your property. Examples of deed restrictions are discovering that said property is not to be used for business purposes, or possibly as a residence. There may also be a restriction placed on the size or type of residential fence you are permitted to build on your property or the pets you can have. 

An easement, on the other hand, is the right to cross someone else’s land for a specified purpose. Examples of easements are granting utility companies access for laying pipes,  electrical wiring, or railroad tracks, or allowing a neighbor access to a driveway in order to reach their residence. In Connecticut, there are various methods with which to create easements, (i.e. “express easements”, “easements by prescription”, and “easement by implication”, among others). Debate over the particular legalities of easements can be contentious, and there exists the real possibility of disputes arising as a result of these easements. (1)  

While deed restrictions and easements can be negotiated or resolved, both could prove inconvenient and costly. Without question, being aware of any such conditions attached to a property will be essential in making an informed decision. 

Are Connecticut Property Records Public?

Yes, they are! You need only go to the town clerk’s office in the county/city in which the property is located to look up titles and deeds. It is important to understand that these two are not one in the same. While a title represents the rights and ownership that the property owner has over a particular property, a deed is only awarded to the property owner after any and all outstanding debts against the property, such as a mortgage, have been paid in full. Furthermore, a title informs you as to whether there are any liens or claims attached to the property, as well as any other relevant historical data.  

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

Who Completes the Title Search in Connecticut?

When the time comes for a title search to be initiated, you will have an important decision to make. While you yourself are entitled to check your Connecticut property title, you may rather devote your personal time focusing on other aspects of the sale. Even though property title records exist in public records, they can sometimes be difficult to locate. For novices in this area, the legal jargon can be hard to understand.  You may opt to enlist the services of a professional property title search company such as Title Search Direct, who will deliver to you a thorough, succinct, easily digestible report within a short amount of time. 

In the state of Connecticut, most often the buyer is responsible for the title fees, but there are exceptions. 

How Much is a Title Search and How Long will it Take?

The time involved in performing a property title search varies from property to property.  A Connecticut home built in the early 1900s, for example, is bound to have a much lengthier chain of ownership, as well as a storied history which will require more research and study than, say, a home built in 2010. For this reason, there is no fixed time that it takes to perform a title search on any particular piece of real estate. The cost itself will coincide with the amount of time involved in performing the search and compiling the report.  

Additionally, you may decide to conduct a deeper investigation into trusts, wills, or potential heirs, and for this, there would be additional costs. A full search, which uncovers all of the public information relating to your property of interest, will be more lengthy and result in a higher cost.  

That said, with Title Search Direct, you can begin your title search in Connecticut for as little as $35. Our detailed, thorough, succinct reports are completed within eight to fourteen business days, barring any bank holidays. Bear in mind that buying during peak homebuying season will also affect the time frame.

Get Started with Title Search Direct

If you are ready to start your Connecticut property title search, look no further than Title Search Direct. Our experienced, professional team is standing by to assist you with all of your title search needs, We are passionate about real estate, and it is this passion that has made us the nation’s top provider of property title searches.   

The days of sifting through mountains of paperwork are over. At Title Search Direct, we have easy, direct online access to public records and can provide fast, reliable service, so that you don’t have to devote your own valuable time and resources. 

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

Attorney Ben Proto, The Musings of a Mad Lawyer https://protolawfirm.com/lawyer/2018/05/21/Real-Estate/Easement-Law-in-Connecticut_bl34332.htm