Common Title Issues and How to Address Them

Buying a home is exciting, but every property carries a history. Sometimes, that history includes hidden complications that can turn your dream purchase into a legal headache. That’s why at True Concept Title, we don’t just handle closings, we dig deep to uncover any title issues before they catch you off guard. In this post, we’ll walk through the most common title issues, show you how they can impact you, and explain how to address them so your investment stays secure.

Why Title Issues Deserve Your Attention

Most homeowners assume once the papers are signed and keys are in hand, they own the property period. But the truth is, a clean closing doesn’t always tell the full story.

Even after a closing, title defects, like unpaid debts tied to the property, erroneous records, or legal claims can surface, causing costly delays, legal battles, or even jeopardizing your ownership.

That’s where a thorough title search and insurance come in, they're not optional extras. They’re your protection against problems you didn’t know existed.

Common Title Issues That Pop Up

Errors in Public Records and Clerical Mistakes

Mis-recorded names, incorrect legal descriptions, missing documents, or misfiled deeds, these can all cast doubt on who legally owns the property.
Result: You might face delays in refinancing, selling the home, or even legal challenges to your ownership.

Unpaid Liens: Tax, Mortgage, Contractor, or Judgment Liens

If previous owners left unpaid debts, creditors may place a lien on the property. When you buy, you may inherit that debt. Without clearing liens first, you could be responsible for repaying them or face foreclosure risk.

Fraud, Forged or Defective Deeds

Sometimes deeds were forged, signed under duress, or improperly executed making those transfers invalid. That means someone else could legally challenge your ownership, leaving you vulnerable.

Unknown or Missing Heirs & Undisclosed Claims

If a prior owner passed away and heirs were unaccounted for, someone could emerge later claiming a share of the property. These claims can trigger legal disputes or force you to defend your ownership, often at significant cost.

Boundary Disputes, Survey Errors, or Undiscovered Encumbrances

Old, inaccurate surveys or unclear boundary descriptions can result in overlapping property lines or disputes with neighbors. Easements or other encumbrances (rights others have to use parts of your land) may also be buried in old documents or never recorded properly, restricting your use of the property.

How True Concept Title Helps You Address (and Avoid) These Issues

At True Concept Title, we don’t just check the surface, we dig deep. Our process ensures your title is as clean and clear as possible before you sign.

Detailed Title Search & Review

We examine decades of public records, deeds, mortgages, tax filings, judgments, surveys to uncover liens, encumbrances, or record errors before closing.
We flag any uncertain or unusual issues (like missing heir claims or improperly filed documents) so they can be resolved early.

Issue Resolution & Clean-Up

When we find unpaid liens, we work with sellers or lien holders to get them cleared before you take ownership.
For clerical or survey errors, we coordinate corrected deeds, updated records, or boundary clarifications, so there are no surprises later.

Your Protection Against the Unknown

Even with the most diligent search, some problems aren’t visible in public records. That’s why we offer robust title insurance, which covers ownership challenges, fraud, undiscovered liens or encumbrances, and more even years down the road.

With both full due diligence and insurance, you get a double layer of protection.

What YOU Can Do to Protect Yourself

Ask for a full title search report: don’t be satisfied with a basic check.
Review the report carefully: check for liens, claims, easements, and clear boundaries.
Buy owner’s title insurance: to safeguard your financial interest, not just the lender’s.
Request corrections or clarifications before closing: better safe than sorry.

Keep your title documents safe: you may need them if issues arise down the road.

Why Skipping This Is a Risk And Why It’s Worth It

Think of title insurance and a comprehensive title search as a safety harness for your biggest investment. Skipping them might save money now, but the cost of a title dispute, lien claim, or fraud years later? That can reach tens of thousands of dollars or more.

You're not just buying a home. You're buying a future. And a clean, insured title makes sure it stays yours, no matter what comes up later.

Want to Learn More Or Get Started With a Search?

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Final Thoughts

Every property has a past, but with True Concept Title on your side, you don’t have to worry about its mistakes becoming your problems. From liens and record errors to fraud and hidden claims, we catch it, fix it, and insure it.

Ready to make sure your ownership is rock-solid? Contact True Concept Title today, we’ll run a full title review and set you up with the protection you deserve.

Don’t just hope your title is clean. Know it is. And own your future with confidence.

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