In a title search, a real estate records researcher, also refered to as an abstractor, goes to the county recorders office to find all public information about the subject property. The abstractor searches for any liens, judgements, and any other claims on the property that may affect the title.

Besides the rightful ownership of the property, a complete title search also contain the property owner's public record search result, which include bankruptcy search and patriot name search.

A complete title search may also include a survey report. A surveyor goes to and inspects the subject property to make sure no part of the subject property infringes upon a neighbors land and vice versa. An encroachment can sometimes render a property un-marketable.

Title search can be performed by the homeowner or home buyer himself. The process involves only visiting the local county recorders office and retrieve all the relevant public data. However, retrieving the right documents and interpreting them correctly can be a little technical for a layman. As a result, most home buyers hire an abstractor to perform title searchs.

All lender banks require borrowers to purchase title insurance to protect against future title defects, eventhough title search may show a clean title. This is because the process of title search does not prevent fraud and clerical errors.

When purchasing a home, your mortgage professional works with plenty of title officers that will be able to do the research to find any problems with title.