Why title review matters to sellers
Title review helps establish who owns the property and identifies recorded matters that may need to be addressed before ownership can transfer. A title company searches public records and prepares a preliminary title report. The report is not the final insurance policy, and it may identify items that require follow-up.
What may appear in the report?
- Current ownership and vesting information.
- Existing mortgages, deeds of trust, HELOCs, and other liens that may require payoff or release.
- Property-tax matters, judgments, or other recorded claims.
- Easements, access rights, utility rights, and recorded restrictions.
- HOA documents, assessments, or other recorded obligations.
- Trust, probate, divorce, entity, or authority documents needed to confirm who can sign.
What sellers can do early
Provide accurate names and contact information for everyone on title, identify any trust or entity involved, gather mortgage and HELOC account information, and disclose known liens or assessments. If the property is held in a trust, estate, partnership, or company, ask the title officer early what authority documents may be needed. If there are solar loans, PACE assessments, or other financing arrangements, gather the current statements and contracts.
Payoffs and closing statements
Escrow and title coordinate payoff demands and recording requirements. The amount required to pay off a loan can differ from the balance shown on a monthly statement because of interest, fees, and timing. Review the estimated settlement statement and ask about any unfamiliar charge, payoff, credit, or proration before signing.
Questions to ask the title or escrow officer
- Are all owners correctly listed and able to sign?
- What liens or recorded matters must be cleared or addressed?
- Are any documents needed from a trust, estate, lender, or association?
- What is the estimated payoff and what could change before closing?
- Which title policy is being issued, and what exceptions will remain?
Title and ownership questions can have legal consequences. Consult the title company and a qualified attorney when needed; your agent cannot provide legal opinions.