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How To Do A Title Search In California

Jerry Norton

Aug 8, 2024

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You’ve found the perfect investment property in California, whether you plan on wholesaling, landlording, or flipping. 

Great!

Part of the transaction process — before the deal is finalized — will be a title search.

If this is your first real estate deal, you may be wondering how you can do a title search. Or, maybe you've done several deals in the past, and you're looking for a different way to approach the title search.

Either way, in this article, we'll break down how you can do a title search in California and why it's so important to conduct one.

Let's get started!

Why do a Title Search in California?

A title search is process conducted by a title search company to determine the history of a property's ownership — and legal rights associated with it.

A title search, especially in California, isn't something to overlook. It's important for a few factors, including:

Ensures Ownership

A title search will confirm that the seller possesses the legal right to sell the property to you.

Identifies Liens and Encumbrances

A title search helps uncover any outstanding liens, mortgages, or easements that could not only affect your ownership rights; it's something you may not have known about in the first place.

Resolves Issues

By addressing any title issues before signing on the dotted line, you can avoid costly legal battles and complications in the future.

Provides Peace of Mind

Buying a real estate investment, whether it's your first or hundredth deal, can be a complicated process. By ensuring the title is clean through a title search, you can move forward without any worries of future legal consequences associated with the ownership of the property.

How Much is Hiring a Title Search Company in California?

While it can vary state to state and based upon the size of the property, generally speaking, a title search for a typical single-family home can cost between $100-$250.

The Process of Title Search in California

A proper and comprehensive title search in California includes the following steps:

  1. Public Records Examination: Thoroughly analyze public records to trace the chain of ownership, identifying any breaks or defects.
  2. Lien and Mortgage Search: Check for any outstanding liens, mortgages, judgments, or other encumbrances that might affect the property's title.
  3. Boundary Survey: Conduct a boundary survey, if necessary, to ensure the property's physical boundaries align with the legal description.
  4. Title Report Acquisition: Obtain a detailed title report, summarizing the findings from the title search.
  5. Reviewing Title Exceptions: Scrutinize any exceptions or restrictive covenants mentioned in the title report and evaluate their potential impact.

How to Do A Title Search In California

There are several ways to do a title search in California, including visiting your local public record office. If you would like to get started from home, try these three options:

California Title Search Option 1: Netr Online

California Title Search Option 2: Protitle USA

California Title Search Option 3: Courthouse Direct

Potential Title Issues in California

During a title search, several issues might surface. Here are some common problems and their suggested solutions:

  • Unpaid Taxes or Assessments: Unsettled tax bills can lead to property liens. Clearing these issues is critical.
  • Illegal Deeds or Fraudulent Transfers: Improperly executed deeds or fraudulent transfers can make a property's title defective. In this situation, we recommend seeking legal advice from a local real estate attorney.
  • Boundary Disputes: If there are disputes regarding property boundaries, resolving them through a survey will be necessary.

The Bottom Line: Title Search in California

There you have it: a title search in California is not something to overlook.

By conducting a proper title search, you can ensure that your investment is safe — and may be your most profitable one yet.

Looking to wholesale real estate in California? Check out our guide.