How To Do Your Own Title Search (With or Without Title Insurance) - Training Tutorial
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 8 ก.พ. 2013
- Full blog post: retipster.com/how-to-do-your-...
The title search is one of the most crucial steps to closing any real estate transaction. As an investor, you need to do prudent research and be 100% sure that the person you're buying from has a clear title to the property. You need to ensure that you're getting a deed and paying the actual property owner (not somebody else who thinks they own the property or is lying to you and claiming that they own it). When I bought my first house, this whole concept really confused me and if you're new to real estate, it may seem confusing to you too...
Why A Clear Title Matters
In many ways, it's a similar process to buying a car.
Suppose you see a car parked in someone's driveway with a "FOR SALE" sign in the window. The car looks nice, so you walk up to the house, knock on the door and say, "I saw this car parked in your driveway, is it yours?" The person replies, "No, but I'll sell it to you for $10,000!"
There's obviously something wrong with this picture. A person can't sell something they don't legally own -- and while it sounds like a ridiculous conversation, you'd be surprised at how often I've encountered situations like this in the real estate business.
How does this kind of issue come up in the first place? There are a lot of ways but most often, I come across people who have inherited property from their parents or relatives and somewhere along the way, the proper paperwork was never filed to give them the legal right to sell the property. Other times, people buy properties without doing their own due diligence and then THEY get stuck with a property without a clear title. One way or another, people can end up with their name on the tax bill (and sometimes on the actual deed). Still, somewhere in the "chain of title" (as recorded in the county's historical documentation), the property wasn't transferred correctly from the seller to the buyer.
Another key reason you'll want to do a title search is to ensure there aren't any liens or mortgages on the property. Especially when you're offering people a very small amount of cash for their property (like I tend to do), there will be times when they conveniently neglect to mention that they have a $100,000 mortgage or $20,000 construction lien that is still tied to that property. If you fail to catch this in your title search before closing on the deal, these issues will fall into your lap along with the property.
You will eventually run into this issue if you make enough offers and buy enough properties. When you do, it's usually a problem that doesn't have a quick or easy solution.
Knowing When It's Worth The Price
Admittedly, doing your own title search will open you up to risk. There is always the possibility that you'll miss some crucial piece of information along the way. However, I have done a few dozen title searches on my own over the years, and I have never been burned by it. As a personal rule -- the only time I do my own title searches is when the expected market value of the property is less than $10K (i.e. -- we're talking exclusively "rinky-dink" properties here). As soon as I start dealing with substantial deals in the tens of thousands, I never leave it to chance. At that point, a full-blown title insurance policy costs more than worth the cost. #retipster #sethwilliams #landinvesting #realestateinvesting #realestateinvesting
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I didn't want to ask my dad he is impossible to deal with. This is excellent. Wow....makes me feel so much better about looking myself. THanks again!!!!!!!!
I am your dad. Why didn't you ask me? You punk
Good job at making a tough process seem simple.
Great information!! You have answered my questions I had. Thank you!!!
Awesome video on title and title searches, Seth! Thanks for sharing this video!
This doesn't actually help me.
If the video title is how to do your own title search and the only example given is based on the title search or abstract you've ordered from a tile company/ abstractor, there isn't an answer.
What is step one through finish of what we are looking for if all we want to do is get historical information about a property in question?
I know it's risky (stupid) to buy a place without a title search.
That's not open to debate.
I want to know how I, personally, can research a property to prequalify; to see if it's a viable lead and something worth pursuing, and ordering a FULL title search afterwards.
What state are you from? You can get that information from your local goverment's website. Google "(Your county) Property and tax records". Im from NY and was able to find a goverment website that provider all that info. It showed me the mortgage and deed stuff for each property
agreed
I am a professional title examiner and although your video touches on the basics of a search you have left a lot out. You also started with a fairly difficult starting deed due to all the parcels involved. The first step in this search would be to check a tax map or platt map to find the lot in ?. In the explaining the chain of title you did a good job for the general public.
How much do you charge per property. I'm looking to buying property from a sheriff sale
Thank you! This video was basically a waste of time! I was expecting him to tell us what website to go to smh
@@yahussain39 hello .. I am professional Title searcher .. I charge per Title search 20 dollar , Contract with me +8801757269919 what's app
Hii may I know for which state you are working
Hi , I like to contact you for a service, 2 ways to reach you , please?
Thanks for the excellent knowledge on basic house buying safe procedures. EXCELLENT ! I can see by following these steps insures you cannot lose your money !
Moronvideos1940 I
Thanks Seth...sold info and it definitely helps to try it urself if possible!
This is a very informative video explaining title searches. Thanks for sharing this resource, Seth
I am in the Mineral Rights business and surface title reports are super quick and simple in most places (and online for that matter). I have been thinking about providing these services for land investors also, do yall think there would be a decent market for this?
Wow thank you I am learning something new everyday. I may be slow but I'll catch on . Thank you so much Sir :)
Thanks for watching!
Hi Seth Williams. I am a seasoned examiner, pre-bubble relic, And thinking of restarting my old firm. Curious of marketing potential, I came into You Tube. When I saw your link "How to do your own Title Search" my jaw dropped. I thought, who in their right mind would want to take that chance" and then I read your opening blog, WHEW! I understand now. I thought your explanation of the purpose and importance of an examination was terrific. Articulate and concise. I subscribed to you! Thanks
I don't understand what you mean however anyone that made false claims and exploited me knew of my rapes and false documents I want to exercise my rights as a united states citizen
Is doing a.title search absolutely required if trying to determine if there are any easements for a shared driveway? I've already reviewed two adjacent residential property deeds and no language that states there is an easement or appurtentant shared driveway.
Well spoken and thoughtful. Thank you.
Could you put You Tube for RE Investors for title search (all leins, judgements, and more) please. Thank you.
Very helpful video to get an idea of how to read these things and make sense out of them.
Thanks for watching, Robert! Glad it was helpful.
Can u help me find a tile ..i was served a quit claim deed
I already record my deed , where do I go to do title company, can I do myself?
What does it mean when the individual is a vendee of a property but the taxes go to another company
I believe title search companies need to bonded and insured themselves. I remember the county said they aren't binded so they can't do the search for me but can assist me in my search
how do you clear liens if the person who owes the debt has died?
My titles I have on my property that was wrongfully foreclosed on are different then the titles in the hall of records even numbers dates it's as the hall of records messed them up date wise and mine are also dated wrong I'm so confused God help me find some one who will take my case and let me pay after suing the banks in Calif
I inherited 5 acres in Virginia. 7 possible judgments came attached. I paid off most, working on the remainder. I plan to build a home on the land. Question: if other judgments appear at closing will l be responsible for paying those? Does title insurance cover me from other possible judgments?
*I'm worked with a real estate lawyer to pull the title.
Great information sir, can you explain where we can get projects from clients and how we can contact them
Great explanation. Very helpful.
Great video this helped me alot.
Can you explain how to get the work from clients
My father of our home recently passed I've lived in the house before we recently got kicked out illegally how would I put the title in my name for the home?
In a title search, will you be able to see how many insurance policies were executed on a title?
Do you need to be licensed to do your own real estate closing?
Nice! Thanks. I really wanted to buy raw land, but don't want to deal with a agent(who does really? HAHA I had bad experience in past and all they care about is money and quick sell for themselves) I have cash, and so I wanted to just bug the listing agent, but have my offer include the seller paying for the title search just to make sure nothing crazy shows up. Would everything I need to know show up in the title search than? In your opinion and experience, do you think the title search is the most important step? Thanks for posting this!!!
how does one get into title insurance profession?
I know this is an old video, but it cleared some cobwebs. Thanks.
I'm in probate with a deceased relative's property to sell. I am going to pay for a title search just do I know the story before trying to sell. It seems to me that every homeowner should do a title search on their own property just as a general practice.
I buy minerals, primarily oil and gas, and drill with partners if seismic shows potential. If no drilling occurs, I keep minerals in American citizenship ownership.
Companies are selling quickly to the Chinese and other foreign governments.
What does a lien look like? Where is it located in the title?
Thank you VERY MUCH!
So can you close a deal without a title company
How much is a Title Insurance? I recently bought a parcel of land in Hot Springs, AR costing $600 but was issued with Limited Warranty Deed. I received the Limited Warranty Deed already from the mail issued by Saline County. I want to make it sure that the land that I bought is clean. What would be the best action that I should do. Thank you very much.
This isn't really a "tutorial" on how to do a title search if you are a "first time buyer" according to the first statements of the poster. When he says "you need to have a good eye and analytical mind"...for what exactly? Then there's the "ins and outs". Quit watching after that because I'm quite sure it won't help me one bit. I've found all you need to do is go to the local clerk of courts and they will help you find what you are looking for or the office in the same building that has the information you are looking for.
Great info! Thanks!
Video is usless. @ 8:35 "To do your own title search, go to the county recorders office/ register of deeds" . My county has it all online.
so how you search for title as you stated in the title::::::::How To Do Your Own Title Search (With or Without Title Insurance) - Training Tutorial
Great information
Good job keep it up 👍
Thanks For The Info
You did not answer the most important question. How did you get the title document from your research.
Great video.
Seth sums it up well. 1) clear deed 2) no mortgage outstanding 3) no construction lien
Thank you, Seth. Btw, I just sent you a LinkedIn connection invite.
Thank for the video, but it didn't say nothing about how to search a title search...
Good vid.
This video does not show you how to do a Title search at all. It just shows you how to read a Title... Hummm. Not really helpful in that area
No you didn't let me down, actually your demonstration was very helpful as soon as I got the Title. Thank you for your time.
Why you don't change the title of the video. That's the confusing part. The video is good otherwise.
Right. I didn't get any instruction on how to do a title search at all.
Thank you! I just hate that.
I just wanted to know how to do the search
Hmmmm. Video not matching up with title. Where do you go to find the title besides title company? How do you do a title search online? Thx
Here's one option: th-cam.com/video/2eZtLwW9ek8/w-d-xo.html - it's probably the most user-friendly, but not the cheapest path. You could also try this: th-cam.com/video/S72Di2mNjFA/w-d-xo.html - if you're looking for a less expensive option.
What if you live in another state and can't travel at that moment to go do the title search can this be done online through the courts or county recorders office?
Yep, it can! Here's one service you can use: th-cam.com/video/2eZtLwW9ek8/w-d-xo.html
Nice video. Any advice on locating an inherited piece of land? The town says they have no idea where the land is.
The deed only explains the bounds based on neighborhoring parcels that I can't find on the tax maps.
Looks like I need to search and build a diagram of all neiboring properties to narrow it down...
Do you have a parcel number or owner name? Do you have DataTree? If so, it's usually pretty easy. I explain it in the video in this blog post: retipster.com/propertyresearch/
@@Retipster thanks for the reply! I have a parcel number, but the town Assessor says it doesn't exist in their map and I shouldn't bother (dumb because the family has paid taxes for 50 years). I'll check out the link.
Thank you for a great video. I was wondering how the abstract companies do title searches. Do they use a computer program? Is there something like that to make it easier?
Most of them have a direct line into the county records (the kind of access that you or I can't get), so it's pretty easy for them. If you're looking for the next best thing, you could try DataTree: retipster.com/datatree - which will get you part of the way there.
@@Retipster Wow... thank you. I appreciate it. And by the way, isn’t complete access what we are supposed to have? Then again, of course they act criminally.
Shows more about the title than actually how to do the search, also no mention on how to find liens
You can do your own online title search for free. Check www.searchq.com and download a property report. For detailed information liens, mortgage, tax and ownership history, search using your home address at www.nextace.com and download a full property report and document images for a small fee.
If working with a realtor do they have direct access to see title records? Just curious
Not necessarily, but every Realtor will send the closing through a title company or attorney, and _they_ will have access to all the title records. If you close a deal with a title company, you won't need to worry about any of this.
Who has the keys and paperwork?!
so How to do your own search? I was looking on how to get the document you were explaining here.
There are a few ways to do it. You could find a local abstractor and ask them to pull it for you (if you call your county recorder, they can usually connect you with some abstractors). Or you could use something like DataTree, explained here: th-cam.com/video/GfyX48eCbRY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Nwwg-S_zlk_6N89t or you could use ProTitleUSA: th-cam.com/video/2eZtLwW9ek8/w-d-xo.htmlsi=M16q8KTGGLCWOKfI
Even with a letter of authority. How can you make certain the owner is who they say.
You can get a copy of their driver's license or passport and have them sign a notarized affidavit.
How did you get the title information? Great information, but where do you find them?
There are several ways to do it. You'll find all the ways I know about in this blog post: retipster.com/how-to-do-your-own-title-search/
Now that some years have passed since posting this video, how do you do your own title searches now? 🙏 thanks
Good question! Nowadays, I'll either use a title company (for everything, not just the title search, but closing it all, because it's a lot easier) or some of DataTree's tools to get the job done when available. This blog post explains all the different ways to do it: retipster.com/how-to-do-your-own-title-search/
Very good video. Good way for me to start being a title closer. Can we connect through LinkedIn or somewhere?
Good Video wrong title! It should be called "Things to watch out for when doing your own title search" .
and you should be called "a**hole"
This doesn't actually help. No step by step instructions on "how to". Waste of time to read.
informative..
I know this type work properly. Can I get any job.??
Great video but, where do we go to find the actual title reports?
Check out the videos in this blog post, and you'll find a few different ways to handle that: retipster.com/how-to-do-your-own-title-search/
@@Retipster thank you so much!!
If a property is part of a estate, what happens then? The estate is suppose to stay in a family but someone's trying to sell it
The trustee has authority. Family can contest it.
I buy minerals, primarily oil and gas, and drill with partners if seismic shows potential. If no drilling occurs, I keep minerals in American citizenship ownership.
Companies are selling quickly to the Chinese and other foreign governments.
No law says have to record a deed...with government
So how does one actually do a title search? I have yet to find one person that can explain the steps.
Check out this blog post: retipster.com/how-to-do-your-own-title-search - there some other videos in there that will explain more of the process.
If my husband dies with child support lien can the house be auctioned off from the bank
Why would you want an "abstract" of title search? Sounds like a search of fake ownership to me. How do you perform a real title search beyond the warranty deeds?
You can find all of that info (and more) in this blog post: retipster.com/how-to-do-your-own-title-search/?RWnvyKutOwU
@@Retipster Thank you.
Your video doesn't really show how you got from start to finish, you already started the search so I dont find this a good on how to search but rather what comes up in a search.
This video is very basic. There are unique circumstances in each jurisdiction that you need to familiar with, such as completeness of the local government's computer records, different laws governing different types of liens, title issues arising from court actions, etc. For example, in my jurisdiction, there are records that are not indexed or improperly indexed in the local government's computer database, so unless you knew that and knew where else or even how to search, there may be potential mortgages/deeds of trust, or other liens or title issues that are outstanding. In my case, a forty-year search would be impossible to do online or even on the Recorder of Deeds' computers, since there are analog records (books, microfiche cards, microfilm) that must also be searched.
Bottom line, you don't always need to use a title company, but there are plenty of free-lance abstractors or title examiners out there. Usually a distressed property means there are underlying issues, many of which may not be apparent to a layman, so it may be worthwhile to pay the couple hundred dollars to hire a good abstractor.
?
As always they want to thank everyone for their success on
Please .........call me this is horrible for me and all of us......so let us stop this
well he just said how to buy the property, woww so it's in the warranty deed good to know contract for the price in the warranty deed $100.00 wow plus paying the property taxes doesn't mean you own it, the deed does say tenants which we all know means not the owner
Hi I intersted this work.because I have 5 years working experience
Retipser your video didn't help it has a wrong title
Who is this crazy Prince dude?
Funny how people making videos about Title searches never discuss what exactly a Title is and why a buyer never actually sees a Title to property.
titles a bit off but good video, many change it to NONE OF THESE PEOPLE EVER OWNED PROPERTY? AS NO PERSON WILL EVER OWN PROPERTY.....
***** lol wasn't trying to be mean but, after all it is the sad truth
You're supposed to be telling us HOW TO FIND IT!! Not explain what you already have!!
Thank you for replying Seth. I really appreciate it. I do see that I could have gotten more help from this, but I got lucky and found a person who helped me and I got my information this morning. I love TH-cam and all the help they provide. This was a fluke and I was probably in too big of a hurry to keep looking here. You guys do a great job.
Someone is trying to steal my father's land
will you be my real estate lawyer Seth?
Contact me kabirkhan6027@gmail.com
For more details
Where’s your core topic ? You didn’t show us how to search the title?
All info is accurate but no complete. I own a Title Search Company and there is MUCH more to it. This is a basic explanation of how to look at deeds and make sure part of the job is done.
That's a fair assessment. What do you think would be a better name for this part of the job (if not "title search", what do you think is a better label for what this video is showing)?
There is basic but free title search at www.searchq.com. You can find out for free if the property has lien, tax delinquency, judgment or foreclosure on the title. If you want a detailed property report and copy of documents, you will pay a small fee to get.
You did not do a good job, and certainly did not choose a simple deed to start with! You also did not even mention to go to research the platt map first. This gives you lot measurements and location of property regarding section and block number! I am amazed you created a video that you must have not used any forethought on how you were going present this basic information without certain basic criteria, right up front! Totally amazing!
Thanks for the kind words! Much appreciated.
....
U have to do practical man..then it ll be easy to understand that how really do title search.
I am linda Richard
This is "how to to read a title abstract" at best. You wasted my time.
useless information. what about liens on the property...horrible.
flennord smith jr the origional owner of the titles and deeds to west bluff crown center 23 street chiefs stadium pauls burger basket c3po alpha omega top gun robotech welfare and dmv building i am the starter and landlord my private residence is1229 west bluff my permanent roommates are lil munchie dazza and anjanette sandiego chargers kansas city chiefs monopoly car monte carlo choppers then the landlord of pennway federal building. r2d2 sanfrancisco 49 i am alvocado rocket ll cool j 1229 pennway then i go from 1229 and mercier to1229 and whittier boulevard to 1834 jefferson my workmans compensation is 2305 summit blockbuster businesses peas porrage hot peas porrage cold peas porrage in a pot nine days old captain crunch tattoo cadillac price chopper marktwain trademark R teqate crew. to 206 wabash storm shadow bullwinkle dallas cowboys suburban elcamino and baby benz and 63 chevy impala and then back to 1834 jefferson brown raider 64 then power rangers 65 to 206 hyatt mercier mcdonalds. starter. ertl west bluff down aka kilo iam the landlord to monopoly board my private residence is boardwalk and parkplace i built from scratch the monopoly car again my private residence on monopoly is boardwalk and parkplace hyatt and parkplace 4 mansions on each square thats eight in wardparkway. and eight houses in and around the west side
michael jordan 23street westside the chicago bulls sesame street ernie and bert alvocado colorado mile high 23 street kc mo 64108 city market midwest typewriter from alvocado. community service bulletin to whom it may concernl
I research your property in low price
Maybe someday you will understand the correct way to explain How to do it .
I'd love to see your TH-cam video about it, Bill. Do share it with us!
Think you a great job and have become very good at what your doing. Wish I had started much younger in life like you have . I have met many people thru the years. Paying a person thats better at doing some things can save you time and money. Injoy hearing what you have to say. My son has also enjoyed some of of your utuob as well. Best of luck.
You need to speak up louder Seth.
Sorry but i could not. I had my computer turned up and youtube. I am very interested in title agent work and enjoy your videos but having trouble hearing because you speak softly. No disrespect in my post.
***** I heard the whole video - but the volume is low. 1 to 10 it is a 5 or less.
sounded great to me.. without having to turn up my speakers to full.. thanks for the info and hope my search turns out well.. cause I can't afford to mess it up
my name is Christy Marie Cantu Garcia my birthday is July 11th 1978 and I was married to Ignacio Garcia April 10, 2004.... I need a lawyer to represent me please can someone help
Waste of time.
oh yeah and if you are not guilty Damon and you are not the actual d that beat me .....then will you marry me?....😛 because I love you and miss you like crazy
Great information
What does a lien look like? Where is it located in the title?
This example didn't have any liens, but if it did, you'd most likely see a document with the word "LIEN" in the title. You'll also want to keep an eye out for anything with the words "Mortgage", "Land Contract", "Deed of Trust", "Contract for Deed" and the like.
@@Retipster Thanks for reply and the information in the video.
@@mikeroos1309 you bet!