Direct-to-Source Title Intelligence

Oregon property records are maintained by the County Clerk in each of the state’s 36 counties. The County Clerk is the official recording authority for deeds, deeds of trust, reconveyances, construction liens, lis pendens, and other instruments affecting real property. Digital access varies across Oregon’s 36 counties — Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties offer strong online portals while smaller rural counties may require in-person or subscription-based research.

Oregon uses deeds of trust as the primary security instrument for real estate financing. Non-judicial foreclosure through a trustee’s sale is the standard process in Oregon under ORS 86.705–86.795, with a 120-day notice period for owner-occupied residential properties before a sale can proceed. A title search confirms all recorded deeds of trust, their current open or reconveyed status, and any notice of default or trustee’s deed filings tied to the property.

A bargain and sale deed is the standard conveyance instrument in Oregon. Unlike a warranty deed, it does not include an express warranty that the grantor holds clear title or will defend the buyer against prior claims. Buyers acquiring property via bargain and sale deed receive whatever interest the grantor holds — but no guarantee that interest is free of encumbrances. A title search is the mechanism that confirms what encumbrances actually exist before a buyer accepts title on those terms.

Yes. Construction liens, judgment liens, and tax liens recorded with the Oregon county clerk attach to real property in that county and can survive an ownership transfer if never formally released. Oregon construction liens are particularly worth reviewing on recently improved properties, as contractors and suppliers have specific statutory windows to file after work is completed. A title search identifies any open lien filings from prior ownership before they become a post-purchase obligation.

Yes. Cash transactions have no lender requiring a title review, leaving buyers fully exposed to any undiscovered liens or ownership defects. Oregon’s bargain and sale deed standard means sellers make no title warranties — confirming clean title is entirely the buyer’s responsibility on a cash transaction. Cash buyers who skip the title search take on full exposure to any recorded claims tied to the property.

Title Search Direct delivers reports within 3 to 5 business days for most Oregon counties. Multnomah, Washington, and Lane counties have strong digital systems that support efficient turnaround. Rural counties, coastal properties, or parcels with complex farm use or forest conservation histories may require additional research time.

Get institutional-grade title research delivered in 3 to 5 business days, starting at $35.

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Read through ordering a quick title search to see what is covered, how the process works, and what to expect from first order to final delivery.