A title search was done in the last few months on the property I’m buying – do I need to do a new one?

Yes! Foote Title Group recommends you always have a new title search done when you’re buying a property – regardless of when a search was last done.

First, you want someone doing the search who is on your side, someone who is looking at the title with your interests in mind.

Second, you will need to have a title search done if you plan on buying title insurance, which we strongly recommend. Most lenders also require a lender’s title insurance policy as well.

Third, a lot can happen on a property in a few months. For example:

• The owner could marry
• The owner could incur debts that could cause liens against the property, like unpaid homeowner’s association dues or unpaid real estate taxes
• The owner could grant easements that were not in place when the title was previously searched

A new title search will turn up these changes and enable you and the seller to correct any problems before you go to closing.