Searching title records prior to filing a quitclaim deed is a good idea, to see if becoming the owner of a property might also cause you to become liable for third party claims. But a title search doesn’t have to be expensive — in fact, it can be “free”.
Title records are public records, typically held at a county courthouse. Title records list ownership, encumbrances, liens, and other real estate interests, and the order of priority for those interests for each parcel of land within a county.
Title records are maintained by recorders of property deeds, city or county clerks, county treasurers, collectors, and/or clerks of court.
Title records are important in establishing the ownership of a property because they provide notice of any encumbrances or interests held by third parties. Thus, these records are typically searched prior to the completion of a purchase of property, usually by a local title company (but an individual can conduct this search as well).
Properties that have been held free and clear for many years are usually relatively easy to conduct a title search against; a person can certainly consider contacting the county recorder directly to review anything related to a parcel. Then, from that investigation, the person can determine if it is worthwhile to have a professional title company look further or not.
Get complete details on Standard Legal’s Quitclaim and Warranty Deed legal forms software here.