Title

Title refers to legal ownership of real property. When you have title to a property, you have the legal right to possess, use, and transfer it.

What Title Includes:

• Right to occupy and use the property
• Right to sell or transfer ownership
• Right to lease or rent to others
• Right to grant easements
• Right to will the property to heirs

  Types of Title Ownership:

• Sole ownership: One person owns the property
• Joint tenancy: Equal ownership with survivorship rights
• Tenancy in common: Shared ownership, can be unequal
• Community property: Ownership by married couples (some states)

  Title Search:

Before buying, a title search examines public records to:

• Confirm the seller has the right to sell
• Identify any liens or encumbrances
• Discover easements or restrictions
• Find any ownership disputes

  Title Issues:

Problems that can affect title:

• Unpaid taxes or liens
• Undisclosed heirs
• Forged documents
• Recording errors
• Boundary disputes

  Clear Title:

A "clear title" means no liens, disputes, or legal questions about ownership—essential for selling or refinancing.