- Obtain the property's legal description (found on property tax statements)
- Go to the Recorder's Office or Office of the Examiner of Titles with the legal description.
- Request public access to records and look up the legal description.
Can you do a free title search online?
Performing a property title search in California is easy and free . Property records are public information, are available online as well as in person at the local clerk's office, and are made available to anyone who has an interest. To begin, you'll need either the property address or the owner's name.
Are title searches free?
Performing a property title search in California is easy and free . Property records are public information, are available online as well as in person at the local clerk's office, and are made available to anyone who has an interest. To begin, you'll need either the property address or the owner's name.
How do I do a title search on my house?
Find the property's county. Search the county's property appraiser's website and note the current property owner's name(s), parcel number, and legal description. Check the county recorder's public record for any liens, judgments, or lis pendens attached to the property under the owner's name.
What is the difference between a title and a deed?
A deed is an official written document declaring a person's legal ownership of a property, while a title refers to the concept of ownership rights. ... A deed, on the other hand, can (and must!) be in your physical possession after you purchase property.
What does a title search show?
What Is A Title Search? ... A property title search examines public records on the property to confirm the property's rightful legal owner . The title search should also reveal if there are any claims or liens on the property that could affect your purchase.
Can someone steal the title to your house?
Savvy thieves are able to forge documents , commit fraud, and steal the title/deed to your home, potentially to sell the property to someone else and reap the proceeds, or use their fraudulent ownership to access a lending tool and extract the home's equity.
Where should I keep the title deeds to my house?
All things considered, a secure place where you can keep real estate deeds is worth investing in. Under no circumstances should you keep house deeds in a dresser drawer or under your bed . Keeping deeds and other important documents in a high-quality safe is a good option. You can use it to store other valuables, too.
Does a deed mean you own the house?
A house deed is the legal document that transfers ownership of the property from the seller to the buyer . In short, it's what ensures the house you just bought is legally yours.
What does being on the deed of a house mean?
Generally, your name is on the deed to the home, then you you own an interest in it . The bank cannot foreclose since you did not transfer your interest to the bank. This means that you still own your share of the home. ... The lender would only have the interest of the person who signed the mortgage (your spouse).
Can someone sell a house if your name is on the deed?
A house cannot be sold without the consent of all owners listed on the deed . When selling a home, there are different decisions that need to be made throughout the process. ... Cooperation is key to selling a home together.
Why is a title search so important?
A real estate transaction can only proceed if the house has a clear title. That means that the party selling it has the legal right to do so and that there are no liens or claims against the property. A title search can turn up any issues that may exist .
How do you prove ownership of property?
The easiest way to prove your ownership of a house is with a title deed or grant deed that has your name on it . Deeds typically are filed in the recorder's office of the county where the property is located.
How can I legally steal someone's house?
The most difficult method to steal your neighbor's property is “ adverse possession .” That means you must occupy the entire property without the owner's permission for the required number of years. California has the easiest “squatter's rights” adverse possession law.
What happens if you have lost the deeds to your house?
The deed, when recorded, became a permanent part of the County property records. If you should lose your original deed, you may obtain a certified copy of your deed from the County Recorder in which the land is located . A county certified copy can be used in the place of the original.
