Comprehensive Guide to Title Review and Curative Work for Apison Property Transactions
When buying, selling, or refinancing property in Apison and Hamilton County, a thorough title review and curative work can protect your ownership and reduce future disputes. Title review identifies defects such as unresolved liens, unclear ownership histories, boundary discrepancies, or missing documents that could affect marketable title. Curative work addresses those defects through recorded instruments, affidavits, quiet title actions, lien releases, or corrective deeds. At Jay Johnson Law Firm we focus on delivering clear information about title issues, realistic timelines for resolving them, and practical options for moving forward so clients can complete their real estate transactions with confidence.
Title problems often appear without warning during a real estate closing, and handling them quickly preserves the value and marketability of the property. Our approach begins with a detailed review of title reports, public records, and prior conveyances to pinpoint issues that require attention. We then outline curative strategies tailored to the situation, explain likely costs and timing, and coordinate with title companies, lenders, and other parties. For homeowners and buyers in Apison, this proactive process reduces the risk of future ownership disputes and supports smoother closings on residential and investment properties throughout the region.
Why Title Review and Curative Work Matters for Your Property
A careful title review prevents unexpected setbacks that can delay closings or threaten ownership rights after purchase. Addressing title defects before completion protects you from claims by prior owners, undisclosed liens, or easement disputes that may arise later. Curative work restores clear marketable title by correcting recorded mistakes, negotiating lien satisfactions, or initiating court proceedings when needed. The benefits include greater certainty for lenders and buyers, smoother transactions, and a defensible chain of title. For property owners in Apison, investing in title review and corrective actions reduces long-term risk and preserves the value of real estate holdings.
How Jay Johnson Law Firm Handles Title Review and Curative Matters
Jay Johnson Law Firm assists clients across Tennessee, including Apison and Hamilton County, with title review and curative work related to residential and commercial real estate transactions. We combine careful examination of public land records with practical solutions that address defects efficiently. Our process emphasizes clear communication, written action plans, and coordination with title companies and lenders to meet closing deadlines. Clients receive straightforward explanations of legal options, likely timelines, and potential costs so they can make informed decisions about resolving title issues and protecting their property interests.
Understanding Title Review and Curative Work in Real Estate Transactions
Title review is the systematic inspection of recorded instruments, plats, and public filings to verify ownership history and identify encumbrances that may affect transferability. This includes checking for tax liens, judgments, mortgages, unresolved probate matters, easements, and restrictions that could limit use. Curative work is the set of legal and administrative steps taken to remove or address those encumbrances so title can be conveyed with confidence. Common curative measures include obtaining releases, preparing corrective deeds, filing affidavits to clarify facts, and pursuing court proceedings when necessary to resolve competing claims to the property.
A thorough review also considers matters that may not appear on a standard title report, such as missing heirs, forged signatures in prior conveyances, or clerical errors in recording. Determining the appropriate curative path depends on the defect type, the parties involved, and the desired timeline. Some issues can be resolved by simple documentation and filings, while others require litigation or negotiated settlements. Understanding these possibilities early helps property buyers, sellers, and lenders plan for contingencies and avoid surprises that can jeopardize financing or closing schedules.
Defining Title Review and Curative Work for Property Buyers and Owners
Title review is the factual and legal analysis of the property’s recorded history to determine whether the seller can convey marketable title free of legal encumbrances. Curative work consists of the corrective actions necessary to remove clouds on title, resolve competing claims, and ensure the property meets lender and title insurer standards. These services protect all parties in a transaction: buyers gain assurance of ownership rights, sellers can clear obstacles to transfer, and lenders secure their collateral. A methodical approach to both review and curative steps reduces risk and supports reliable closings.
Key Elements of the Title Review and Curative Process
The process includes obtaining a title report, researching chains of title back through recorded deeds, and identifying recorded liens, judgments, easements, and restrictions. After identifying issues, the next steps involve verifying facts, preparing or obtaining releases and corrective documents, communicating with lienholders and interested parties, and recording any required instruments. When necessary, curative work can include filing affidavits, initiating quiet title actions, coordinating probate resolutions, or negotiating settlements. Effective handling of these elements demands attention to detail, timely filings, and coordinated communication with all involved stakeholders.
Key Terms and Glossary for Title Review and Curative Work
Understanding common title and curative terms helps property owners and buyers follow the process and make informed decisions. The glossary that follows explains frequently used words and phrases encountered during title review and curative work. Familiarity with these terms reduces confusion during closings and clarifies the nature of any defects and the actions available to resolve them. If a specific term in your title report is unclear, ask your legal representative or title company for a plain-language explanation and how it may affect transfer or financing.
Title Report
A title report is a document prepared by a title company that summarizes recorded information affecting a property. It lists current owners, recorded encumbrances such as mortgages and liens, easements, covenants, and sometimes exceptions to coverage. The report serves as the starting point for legal review, identifying items that may need curative work. Reviewing the full chain of recorded documents behind the report provides context for apparent issues and helps determine whether follow-up actions or additional documentation are necessary to provide marketable title for a transaction.
Quiet Title
A quiet title action is a court proceeding used to resolve conflicting claims to real property and establish a clear, enforceable ownership record. It is often necessary when liens, adverse possession claims, boundary disputes, or unknown heirs create uncertainty that cannot be resolved through agreements or recordings alone. The court determines the rights of competing parties and issues a judgment that clears the chain of title. While litigation is more time-consuming and costly than administrative curative steps, it may be the most reliable way to secure marketable title in complex cases.
Curative Instrument
A curative instrument is a recorded document used to correct or clarify the public record so that defects in title are remedied. Examples include corrective deeds that fix clerical errors, lien releases that satisfy outstanding obligations, affidavits that confirm facts or clarify ownership issues, and subordination agreements that alter lien priority. These instruments are typically drafted, executed, and recorded to address specific encumbrances identified during title review and to meet the requirements of lenders and title insurers for insuring the property.
Chain of Title
The chain of title is the sequence of historical conveyances and recorded instruments that document ownership of a property over time. Examining the chain helps identify gaps, suspicious transfers, or unrecorded interests that could cloud title. Discrepancies in the chain may indicate missing signatures, improperly executed deeds, or transfers made without proper authority. Resolving defects in the chain often requires curative steps such as corrective deeds, affidavits, or court actions to reestablish a continuous, marketable record of ownership.
Comparing Limited Versus Comprehensive Title Curative Approaches
Choosing between a limited curative approach and a comprehensive plan depends on the defect type, transaction timeline, and the parties’ tolerance for risk. A limited approach may address only items blocking a closing, using releases, corrective recordings, or short-form affidavits when practical. A comprehensive approach seeks to resolve all known issues, including potential future claims, to maximize marketability and peace of mind. Understanding the trade-offs—speed and cost versus long-term certainty—helps buyers, sellers, and lenders choose the path that best aligns with their goals for the property.
When Targeted Curative Steps Are Appropriate:
Closing Deadlines and Minor Clerical Errors
A targeted curative approach is appropriate when the defects are minor and time-sensitive, such as clerical errors in recording, missing signatures that can be remedied by corrective instruments, or liens that a creditor will promptly release. If the parties need to meet a scheduled closing and a title insurer will accept limited exceptions once corrective documents are recorded, focused curative work can clear the path to transfer. This approach balances immediacy and cost while preserving the ability to address larger issues later if they arise.
Agreed Resolutions with Known Claimants
When any existing claimants are identifiable and willing to sign releases or settlement documents, a limited approach may efficiently resolve the obstacle without litigation. For example, a recorded lien holder who agrees to accept payment or a party who will execute a quitclaim deed can enable a straightforward resolution. This path is often less expensive and faster than court action, provided the parties’ agreements are properly documented and recorded to prevent new issues from arising after closing.
When a Broad Curative Strategy Is Advisable:
Complex or Unclear Ownership Histories
A comprehensive strategy is often necessary when title defects stem from long-term or complicated issues, such as missing heirs, forged or defective prior conveyances, boundary disputes, or extensive unresolved lien activity. In these situations, addressing the problems may require a combination of recorded instruments, negotiations with multiple parties, and court proceedings to obtain definitive rulings. Although this approach demands more time and costs, it produces a durable resolution that supports future transactions and lender confidence.
High-Value Properties and Lender Requirements
For higher-value properties or transactions requiring strict lender underwriting, a comprehensive curative plan can be necessary to meet title insurance standards and financing conditions. Lenders and title companies may require full resolution of any title clouds before issuing new liens or policies. Taking a complete approach reduces the chance of post-closing claims, protects investment value, and ensures that future buyers will face fewer obstacles when reselling the property.
Benefits of Taking a Comprehensive Curative Approach
Comprehensive curative work creates a more reliable chain of title and reduces the likelihood of later disputes that could threaten ownership rights. By resolving both apparent and potential issues, owners and lenders gain increased certainty and the property becomes easier to market. Comprehensive resolutions also help avoid the need for repeated short-term fixes that cumulatively cost more over time. For many buyers and sellers in Apison, this thorough approach translates into smoother future transfers and fewer headaches related to past recording or ownership irregularities.
Completing a full curative plan often improves lender confidence, which can lead to stronger financing options and faster approvals. Additionally, properties with clean, well-documented title histories typically command better marketability and are less likely to face insurance underwriting exceptions. A comprehensive path may include recorded agreements, court judgments to quiet title, and resolved easement or boundary matters, all of which combine to protect the property owner’s interests and create a stable foundation for future transactions.
Greater Long-Term Certainty and Marketability
A full curative effort enhances long-term certainty by addressing both existing defects and plausible future claims. Clearing clouds on title, confirming ownership through proper recordings, and resolving disputes by agreement or court order create a more defensible ownership position. This increased clarity improves resale potential and reduces transaction friction with future buyers or lenders. Property owners benefit from fewer surprises, reduced risk of litigation later, and a stronger ability to leverage or convey the asset when the time comes.
Reduced Risk of Post-Closing Disputes
By tackling the full range of title issues before closing, comprehensive curative work minimizes the likelihood of post-closing disputes that can be costly and time-consuming. When clouds are removed and competing claims resolved, parties have fewer grounds to challenge transfers or assert liens afterward. This protective posture not only safeguards the buyer’s ownership but also prevents sellers from facing future claims related to past record defects. The result is a more stable property ownership experience for all parties involved.
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Practical Tips for Title Review and Curative Work
Start Title Review Early
Begin title review as soon as possible in the transaction timeline to identify issues that could delay or derail closing. Early review gives you time to gather documentation, reach out to claimants, and prepare any corrective instruments without the pressure of an imminent closing date. This approach often reduces emergency filings and last-minute settlements that can be more costly. Giving yourself adequate time to address title defects helps ensure a smoother closing and more predictable costs associated with curative work.
Communicate with the Title Company and Lender
Document Agreements Carefully
When claimants agree to releases or settlements, ensure all agreements are documented in writing and properly recorded. Informal promises without recorded documentation may not bind future parties or be enforceable against subsequent purchasers. Properly executed and recorded releases, deeds, and affidavits create a public record that title companies and lenders can rely on. Clear documentation protects both buyers and sellers from future disputes and helps keep the property’s title marketable for future transactions.
Reasons to Consider Professional Title Review and Curative Assistance
If your transaction involves older records, multiple prior owners, or recent changes in land use near Apison, a careful title review is advisable to uncover any hidden encumbrances. Professional review reduces the risk of unexpected liens, title exceptions, or unresolved probate claims surfacing after purchase. Addressing problems proactively helps prevent delays in closings and potential loss of value. For buyers, sellers, and lenders, taking time to resolve title issues before completion is an investment in a smoother transaction and a more secure ownership position.
Those acquiring property with mortgage financing or investors planning to resell should especially consider full curative work to meet lender and market expectations. Lenders typically require clear, insurable title as a condition of financing. When title defects exist, resolving them ahead of closing supports better financing terms and reduces the chance of post-closing disputes that can affect both marketability and value. Working through curative steps in a deliberate manner preserves your options for future transactions and protects against avoidable complications.
Common Situations That Lead to Title Review and Curative Needs
Common triggers for title review and curative work include the discovery of unpaid tax liens, outstanding mortgages that were not released, errors in deed descriptions, unresolved probate matters, boundary disputes, and easement discrepancies. Transfers after inherited property, properties with long chains of small conveyances, and parcels affected by historical irregularities are also frequent candidates for curative attention. Identifying these circumstances early in the transaction helps determine whether administrative corrections or court action will be necessary to create marketable title.
Recorded Liens and Judgments
Outstanding liens or judgments against a property or former owner can prevent clear transfer unless they are resolved. Curative work may require obtaining releases from lienholders, negotiating payoffs, or confirming the satisfaction of debts through proper recorded documentation. When a lien holder cannot be located, further research or court proceedings may be necessary to extinguish or otherwise address the encumbrance. Resolving recorded liens protects buyers and lenders from assuming unexpected obligations tied to the property.
Defective or Missing Conveyance Documents
Clerical errors, missing signatures, or improperly executed deeds in the chain of title can cast doubt on ownership. Corrective deeds, affidavits of facts, or re-execution of instruments when possible can remedy many of these issues. In some cases, when parties cannot be located or errors are extensive, a court action may be necessary to confirm proper ownership. Ensuring that all conveyance documents are accurate and properly recorded is essential for establishing an unbroken chain of title.
Boundary Disputes and Easement Conflicts
Conflicts over property boundaries or the existence and scope of easements often surface during title review and require curative steps. Resolving these matters may involve surveying, negotiating recorded agreements, or bringing actions to quiet title and clarify rights. Proper documentation of boundary lines and agreements about easements reduces future disputes and supports marketability. When unresolved, these issues can limit use, affect value, and complicate financing or resale of the property.
Title Review and Curative Services for Apison Property Owners
Jay Johnson Law Firm provides practical title review and curative services for clients in Apison and surrounding areas of Hamilton County. We work with buyers, sellers, lenders, and title companies to identify title issues early, recommend cost-effective curative steps, and coordinate any required filings or court actions. Our goal is to produce a clear path to closing while protecting property ownership and lender interests. If you are facing an unexpected title issue or want to reduce risk before a transaction, we can explain options, timelines, and anticipated costs.
Why Clients Choose Jay Johnson Law Firm for Title Matters
Clients choose our firm for responsive communication, careful review of title documents, and practical plans for resolving defects. We provide clear explanations about the nature of title problems and the range of options to cure them, including likely costs and timeframes. Our emphasis is on helping clients understand trade-offs so they can make sound decisions about their real estate transactions. We work with title companies and lenders to align curative work with closing requirements and to minimize delays when possible.
We prioritize documentation and coordination with all parties involved in a transaction, including title companies, lienholders, and other attorneys. This coordination reduces the risk of miscommunication and ensures that any releases, corrective deeds, or affidavits are properly executed and recorded. By providing direct guidance through the curative process, we help clients proceed with confidence and protect their property interests. Our approach is practical, client-focused, and oriented toward timely resolution of title issues.
When litigation is necessary to resolve competing claims or to quiet title, we provide candid assessments of likely outcomes and procedural steps. We explain the reasons a court action may be recommended, the anticipated schedule for litigation, and measures to limit expense where possible. Our objective is to achieve a reliable ownership record that satisfies lenders and future buyers while minimizing unnecessary delay and expense. Clients receive clear guidance tailored to their specific transaction and property circumstances.
Contact Us to Start Title Review and Curative Planning
Our Process for Title Review and Curative Work
Our process begins with a detailed review of the title report and any related documents to identify defects and exceptions. We then prepare a written assessment that explains the issues, recommended curative steps, estimated timeline, and projected costs. Following client approval, we initiate communications with lienholders, prepare corrective instruments, draft releases or affidavits, and coordinate recordings. If court action is required, we explain the litigation path and pursue a resolution to establish clear title. Throughout, we keep clients informed of progress and next steps.
Step One: Document Collection and Initial Title Analysis
The first step is to gather the title report, deed history, mortgage documents, tax records, surveys, and any other relevant materials. We review the chain of title for gaps, errors, and recorded encumbrances that could affect transfer. This analysis identifies which items are straightforward to resolve and which may require additional research or negotiation. A clear initial assessment allows us to recommend a practical curative plan and to outline the likely sequence of actions to restore marketable title.
Gathering Public Records and Title Documents
We obtain and review recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, and other recorded instruments that shape the property’s title history. This includes examining tax records, probate filings when relevant, and existing title insurance exceptions. Detailed review often uncovers issues that do not appear on an initial title report, such as unrecorded agreements or clerical mistakes. Identifying these matters early enables us to plan appropriate curative steps and to determine whether further investigation or third-party outreach is required.
Identifying Defects and Prioritizing Curative Actions
After reviewing records, we categorize defects by severity and urgency, determining which items prevent closing and which can be resolved later. We prioritize actions that will enable the transaction to proceed while offering recommendations for more comprehensive cures when warranted. Prioritization considers lender requirements, the client’s timeline, potential costs, and the feasibility of obtaining releases or corrective documents. This stage sets the roadmap for efficient curative work and clearer communication with all involved parties.
Step Two: Curative Drafting, Communication, and Negotiation
Once priorities are set, we draft or obtain the documents needed to cure defects, such as corrective deeds, releases, affidavits, and settlement agreements. We contact lienholders, probate representatives, and other interested parties to secure necessary signatures or negotiate payoffs. Effective negotiation and timely follow-up are often the fastest routes to resolution. Where parties are cooperative, administrative curative steps can resolve many title issues without court involvement, facilitating a prompt closing.
Preparing and Executing Curative Documents
We prepare corrective deeds, releases, affidavits, or other instruments tailored to the specific defects identified. Proper drafting and execution are essential to ensure the documents have the intended legal effect and will be accepted by the title company and recorded correctly. We advise clients on required signatories, notary requirements, and any attendant recording fees. Accurate execution and immediate recording help prevent future disputes and clear the way for title insurance coverage.
Negotiating with Claimants and Lienholders
Where encumbrances require payoff or settlement, we negotiate with lienholders, heirs, or other claimants to reach practicable resolutions. This can include structured payoffs, releases in exchange for payment, or agreements to file corrective recordings. Clear, documented agreements executed and recorded with appropriate forms ensure the curative steps withstand later scrutiny. Timely communication with all parties helps maintain momentum toward closing and prevents small disagreements from escalating into prolonged disputes.
Step Three: Recording and Final Clearance
After curative documents are executed, we record the necessary instruments in the appropriate county office and obtain confirmation that title issues are resolved. We coordinate with the title company and lender to verify that recordings meet their requirements and that any exceptions are removed or addressed. If litigation was needed, this stage follows court resolution and recording of judicial decrees. Our goal at this step is to secure the clear, recorded evidence needed for insurable, marketable title.
Recording Instruments and Confirming Acceptance
We ensure all corrective and release documents are recorded in the county records with correct legal descriptions and indexing so that the public record reflects the resolved status. After recording, we confirm with the title company and lender that exceptions have been removed and that the transaction can proceed. Proper recording protects buyers and lenders by providing public notice of the curative actions and establishing the corrected chain of title for the future.
Closing Follow-Up and Future Risk Reduction
Following recording and closing, we provide follow-up documentation and, when appropriate, recommendations for additional preventive steps to reduce future title risk. This may include advising on better recordkeeping, suggesting updated surveys, or documenting easement agreements. Ensuring all parties have copies of recorded documents and that the title company’s final report reflects the corrections helps reduce the potential for post-closing disputes and supports a clean ownership record for future transactions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Title Review and Curative Work
What is a title review and why is it necessary?
A title review is the careful examination of recorded documents and public records to confirm ownership history and identify encumbrances that might affect transferability. It typically involves reviewing the title report prepared by a title company, researching deed chains, and checking for liens, judgments, easements, probate matters, and other recorded interests. The purpose is to identify any items that must be addressed so the property can be conveyed with a clean, marketable title acceptable to buyers and lenders.When defects are found, curative work is the set of actions taken to correct the public record or resolve claims that cloud title. This can include preparing corrective deeds, obtaining releases from lienholders, filing affidavits to clarify factual matters, or pursuing court actions when necessary. Early identification and action reduce the risk of closing delays and post-closing disputes, and they improve the property’s marketability for future transactions.
How long does curative work typically take?
The timeframe for curative work varies widely depending on the nature and complexity of the issues. Simple matters such as clerical errors or cooperative lien releases can be resolved in a few days to a few weeks if all parties are available and willing to sign and record the required documents. Administrative fixes that involve preparing and recording corrective instruments are typically the fastest route to resolution.Complex defects that require locating missing parties, negotiating payoffs, or pursuing court proceedings will take longer, potentially several months. Quiet title actions or disputes involving multiple claimants and contested facts extend the timeline further. A clear initial analysis helps set realistic expectations for the likely schedule and milestones.
Will title insurance cover all defects discovered during review?
Title insurance provides protection against certain defects in the recorded chain of title that were unknown at the time of issuance, subject to policy terms and exceptions. Standard title insurance policies often exclude known issues disclosed in the report and certain classes of defects such as zoning matters or unrecorded interests. The title company may require curative steps to remove exceptions before issuing a policy or clearing exceptions for a closing.Not all defects will be covered without additional action. For example, matters that are intentionally omitted from the policy, issues arising after the policy date, or problems stemming from undocumented facts may not be protected. Addressing encumbrances and recording corrective instruments improves the chances that the title insurer will provide the desired coverage.
What happens if a lienholder cannot be located?
When a lienholder cannot be located, resolving the encumbrance becomes more complicated. The first step is an extended search to identify the proper party and exhaust reasonable efforts to obtain a release or payoff. If the lienholder remains unlocatable, alternatives include structured court filings to extinguish or subordinate the lien, publishing notice where permitted, or seeking judicial relief that clarifies the title status.The course of action depends on the type of lien, applicable statutes, and the practical impact on the transaction. When court intervention is necessary, timelines and costs increase, but the resulting judicial order can provide lasting resolution and allow the transaction to proceed with clearer title.
When is a quiet title action required?
A quiet title action is typically required when administrative remedies cannot resolve competing claims or when the chain of title is so unclear that a definitive judicial determination is needed. Common reasons include disputed ownership claims, adverse possession assertions, unresolved probate matters affecting title, forged or defective prior deeds, or long-standing boundary disputes where agreement among parties is not achievable. The court determines the rightful owner and issues a judgment that clarifies the title.While litigation involves greater cost and delay than administrative curative steps, a quiet title action provides a definitive, enforceable resolution recognized by title companies and lenders. For properties with persistent or complex clouds on title, such a judgment can establish a clean record and facilitate future transactions.
Can curative work be completed before closing to prevent delays?
Yes, curative work can often be completed before closing, which is the preferred approach whenever feasible. Early action allows time to prepare and record corrective documents, obtain releases, and satisfy lender and title company requirements so that the transaction can proceed without last-minute hold-ups. Starting curative efforts as soon as potential issues are discovered reduces the pressure on deadlines and provides a clearer path to a timely closing.However, some matters may not be resolvable before closing due to uncooperative parties or the need for court action. In those cases, parties may negotiate contingencies or escrows that allow closing to proceed while protecting the buyer and lender until the issue is fully resolved. Clear communication among all parties is essential in these situations.
How are curative costs typically handled in a transaction?
Curative costs depend on the nature of the defects and the remedies required. Administrative solutions such as drafting corrective deeds, obtaining releases, or recording affidavits typically involve document preparation fees, recording fees, and possibly small negotiation costs. When multiple parties or professional services are involved, costs rise accordingly. If litigation is needed, expenses increase further to include court fees, service costs, and attorney time over the course of the action.Allocation of curative costs is a negotiable part of many transactions. Buyers, sellers, and lenders commonly negotiate who will bear the expense, sometimes splitting costs or arranging escrows to address outstanding items. Clear agreements about responsibility for curative work help prevent disputes and support a smoother closing process.
Do boundary disputes always require litigation?
Not all boundary disputes require litigation; many are resolved through surveying, negotiation, or recording boundary agreements or easements that memorialize agreed-upon lines and rights. When neighbors are cooperative, a new survey and a written settlement can correct the public record and prevent future conflicts. Documented agreements that are properly recorded are often sufficient to provide marketable title and avoid court.If the parties cannot agree or if there are competing claims supported by conflicting surveys or evidence, litigation may be necessary to obtain a judicial ruling that establishes the boundary. Court action is the more definitive solution when agreement is not possible, though it will extend timelines and require additional resources.
What documents are commonly used as curative instruments?
Common curative documents include corrective deeds to fix errors in prior conveyances, lien releases to evidence payment and satisfaction of encumbrances, affidavits of heirship or facts to clarify missing information, quitclaim deeds when transferring potential interest, and subordination agreements that alter lien priority. Each instrument must be properly drafted, executed by the appropriate parties, and recorded in the county where the property is located to be effective.The choice of instrument depends on the specific defect identified during title review. Proper legal drafting and recording ensure that these documents achieve the intended corrective effect and are acceptable to title companies and lenders when finalizing transactions.
How can buyers protect themselves from future title problems?
Buyers can protect themselves by ordering a comprehensive title review early in the purchase process and obtaining owner’s title insurance at closing. An owner’s policy provides protection against covered title defects that surface after purchase, subject to policy terms and exceptions. Additionally, requesting full disclosure of the chain of title and insisting on curative steps for identified defects before closing reduces exposure to unexpected claims after acquiring the property.Working with knowledgeable counsel and a reputable title company to document and record curative measures before completion further reduces risk. Buyers should also obtain an up-to-date survey when appropriate and ensure that any recorded easements, covenants, or restrictions are understood and acceptable prior to purchasing the property.