Title Research & Property History – Comment on Real Estate Investor Quick-Guide

I am seeking guidance on how to obtain the history of a property or chain of ownership on the property described in a deed found among my deceased parents’ papers. The deed shows my great-grandmother transferring land to my paternal grandmother in 1949. I hired a title search company to help me research this but I can’t seem to get a progress report from them after 3 months. Can you let me know the best way to research this property? Which report might I purchase to get information on property history, sales/transfers, and/or current ownership? There is no street address only a legal description of the land.

Source: Question/Answer

To look up the chain of title and transfer history for a property, follow these steps:

1. County Recorder’s Office or Clerk of Court

• Chain of title refers to the succession of ownership from the present owner back to the original owner. This can be tracked through deeds filed with the County Recorder or Clerk of Court.
• Visit the office (often available online) in the county where the property is located. Search the records using the property address or parcel number.
• You can view or request copies of deeds, mortgages, liens, and encumbrances that relate to the property’s ownership history.

2. Title Company

• A title company can perform a title search for you. This is especially helpful if you want a detailed report of the property’s ownership and any potential issues (e.g., liens or unresolved claims).
• Title companies typically provide these services for a fee but offer the most comprehensive reports, often used during real estate transactions.

3. Online Title Search Services

• Several online services offer property title search tools where you can look up ownership history, liens, and other title records. Examples include US Title Records, First American, or local GIS websites.
• These services may charge a fee but can save you a trip to the recorder’s office.

4. County Tax Assessor’s Office

• The tax assessor may have public records on ownership and valuation, although they may not provide a full chain of title. They often list the current and previous owners, including transfer dates.

Information You’ll Typically Find:

• Current Owner: Name of the individual or entity currently holding the title.
• Previous Owners: Full list of past owners, transfer dates, and sale prices.
• Legal Descriptions: Lot and parcel numbers, any restrictions, and legal claims.
• Encumbrances: Details about liens, mortgages, easements, or legal disputes attached to the property.