Virginia Title Search

Use this page to find information specific to property title searches in Virginia. When you’re ready, fill out our easy-to-use order form and your title search will be on its way.

What is a Virginia Property Title Search?

There are few things more exciting than finding a Virginia property that checks every box on your wishlist. When you’re ready to take the plunge and make the purchase, there are a few steps you’ll need to take before the property is officially yours. One of the most important of those steps is performing a property title search. A property search, also called a real estate title search, is a document that demonstrates legal proof of ownership for a property. A property title search is a report that is put together based on information sourced from public records that confirms the legal ownership of that property.

Many people use the terms “title” and “deed” interchangeably, but that would be a mistake because they are not one in the same. A deed is a legal document that is given to the owner of the property once any debts against it have been paid in full to prove ownership. A title represents the rights to ownership that a person has over a property.

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

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Why Perform a Real Estate Title Search in Virginia?

Performing a real estate title search is one of the best ways to ensure that your Virginia real estate investment is secure. The report will bring to light any current or potential issues regarding the property, and armed with that information you will be able to make informed decisions regarding your purchase. 

During the property title search, you may discover liens against the property, previously hidden debts, easements, and deed restrictions. These are all factors that can impact your choice to purchase the property as well as how you may be able to use it and sell it later on. The most critical aspect of the real estate title search is that it will verify the authenticity of the owner’s legal right to enter into a transaction to sell the property to you.

How Much Does a Virginia Property Title Search Cost?

In the same way that each and every property is unique, the same is true of each property title search. The cost is impacted by several factors, the primary one being the complexity of the search. If you’re inquiring about a centuries-old home, chances are that there is a lot more documentation in public records regarding that home. For that reason, the property title search will take quite a bit longer than it would if the property were relatively new with only one or two previous owners. 

Another key factor in determining the cost of a property title search is the scope of the search. For example, if you’d like your search to include a deep dive into wills, trusts, or potential heirs, it will cost more. If you request a full search, which uncovers all of the public information relating to the property, you can expect an even higher price point.

On the other hand, simple searches can be fairly inexpensive. For example, searches performed by Title Search Direct can be as low as $35. When you’re ready to begin the process of performing a Virginia real estate title search, Title Search Direct can provide you with an individualized price based on your needs and the specific property you have in mind.

What if I Want to Check My Own Home Title?

If you have questions or concerns regarding the title of a Virginia property you currently own, you may want to consider performing a property title search. The easiest way to get the information you need is to locate your title at the registry of the deeds office within your county. Remember that if you are still paying your mortgage, you won’t yet have a deed, however, records of ownership will be available.

Alternatively, if you are unable to locate the title or you’d prefer to enlist the help of a professional, a title search provider, like Title Search Direct, can perform a real estate title search on your property.

Who Completes the Title Search in the Virginia Buying Process?

At some point during the process of purchasing a Virginia property, you’ll find that it’s time to initiate a title search. While there are no laws preventing you from conducting a real estate title search on your own, it’s typically not recommended. Furthermore, properties with extensive histories or complicated chains of ownership can pose a challenge if you’re new to the process of performing title searches. 

Most people are not familiar with the ins and outs of real estate requirements or navigating assorted public records, and the same is true of the legal jargon and language contained in those types of documents. The process is complex, which is why it’s better to enlist the services of a professional and experienced title search company, like Title Search Direct. Working with a title search company ensures that your property title search is thorough, accurate, and easily digestible. 

In the state of Virginia, the cost of the title search is paid by either the buyer or the seller, depending on how the sale is negotiated. (1)

How Long Does it Take to Perform a Virginia Title Search?

The time it takes to complete a Virginia property title search will vary, largely based on the same factors that impact the cost. The biggest factor is, once again, how complicated the property’s history is and how many documents pertain to the property in public records. Older properties with longer, more elaborate histories will naturally have more documentation. The converse is true of newer properties with simpler histories.

Keeping that in mind, the majority of the Virginia property title searches performed by Title Search Direct can be completed within eight to fourteen business days. Delays can be caused from time to time as a result of bank holidays or during peak homebuying season. Also, remember that the extent of the search will also factor into how long it takes to complete your real estate title search.

Ready to Get Started with Your Virginia Property Title Search?

If you’re ready to get started with your real estate title search, look no further than Title Search Direct. We’re the nation’s top title search provider, and our passion for real estate is the reason that homebuyers have relied on our expertise for the last twenty-five years. Title Search Direct provides easy, fast, and reliable service, and no job is too big or too small. 

Our team of professionals is standing by to help you when you’re ready to start your Virginia property title search. We understand the title search process better than the rest and you can count on us to thoroughly research and retrieve all of the public records pertaining to your property.

It’s never been easier to initiate your next Virginia 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. Erik J. Martin, What is a property title search? How this important step can make or break your closing 

https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/property-title-search/

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