property

title search

A title search is an examination of public records to trace the chain of title to a property and identify liens, encumbrances, easements, judgments, or other issues affecting ownership. It is typically performed by a title company or attorney before closing. The results support a title opinion or a title insurance commitment, and help determine whether the seller can deliver marketable title.

Exam tip: A title search only finds recorded matters. Unrecorded issues such as forgery or undisclosed heirs are why title insurance is used in addition to the search.
Example: Before closing, the title company searches county records back 40 years and finds an unreleased mortgage from 2005, which must be cleared.

1. A title search shows owner A conveyed to B, but the next record shows C as owner with no deed from B. This is an example of:

Answer & explanation

Answer: A. Gaps in the chain or unreleased liens are clouds that must be cleared (e.g., by quitclaim deed or quiet title action) before title is marketable.

Related terms & state variants

abstract of title chain of title cloud on title marketable title title insurance

Sources

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Last verified: 2026-10-23