What is title and why does it take so long to clear?

What is title and why does it take so long?

You're wondering what title means in real estate and why the title process adds weeks to your home buying timeline. Title refers to legal ownership of a property, and the title search process confirms you'll own the home free and clear of any competing claims.

The title company or attorney searches public records to trace the property's ownership history and identify any issues that could affect your ownership rights. This includes checking for liens, unpaid taxes, boundary disputes, or claims from previous owners. The search typically covers 30-50 years of records, depending on state requirements.

Title clearing takes time because the company needs to examine multiple record sources, resolve any issues that come up, and coordinate with various parties. Common delays include waiting for documents from other counties, clearing old liens that should have been removed, or getting releases from previous lenders. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks but can extend longer if complex issues surface.

If the title search reveals problems, the title company works to resolve them before closing. This might involve getting lien releases, correcting deed errors, or obtaining legal documents to clear ownership questions. Your lender and real estate agent can explain what's happening with your specific title search and estimated timeline.