The deed to a property is only as good as the history behind it. Before you sign on the dotted line, you need absolute certainty that the seller actually has the legal right to sell—and that no hidden debts will follow you after closing.
At First Partners Abstract, we perform forensic examinations of property history.
What is a Title Search?
A title search is a comprehensive review of public records to determine the legal ownership status of a property. It is the foundational step in the closing process for both residential and commercial transactions.
Unlike a home inspection, which looks for physical defects like a leaky roof, a Title Search looks for legal defects that could strip you of your ownership rights or cost you thousands in legal fees later.
Types of Title Searches We Perform
1. Full Title Search (60-Year Search)
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Best For: Home purchases, bank financing, and title insurance issuance.
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The Process: We trace the chain of title back 60 years (or to a “good root deed”) to ensure a continuous history of ownership. This is the industry standard for ensuring a property is insurable.
2. Current Owner Search (O&E Report)
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Best For: Investors, wholesale deals, and home equity loans.
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The Process: A faster, less expensive search that verifies the current vesting deed and checks for open mortgages or liens against the present owner only.
3. Bring-Down Search (Date-Down)
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Best For: The days immediately before closing.
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The Process: We re-check the records just before settlement to ensure no new judgments or liens were filed between the initial search and the closing date.
4. Foreclosure & Chancery Abstracts (NJ Specific)
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Best For: Buying distressed properties or bank-owned (REO) homes in New Jersey.
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The Process: A specialized review of the foreclosure proceedings to ensure the bank legally extinguished the previous owner’s rights before selling to you.
What We Look For: The "Hidden Hazards"
Even an honest seller may not know about hidden clouds on their title. We frequently discover and resolve:
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Mechanics’ Liens: Unpaid bills from contractors who worked on the house three owners ago.
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Federal & State Tax Liens: Unpaid income or inheritance taxes that attach to the property, not just the person
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Child Support Judgments: In PA and NJ, overdue child support is a lien against real estate.
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Tidelands Claims (NJ Only): The State of New Jersey may claim ownership of land formerly flowed by tides.
We verify if a “Tidelands Grant” is needed. -
Missing Heirs: A long-lost relative of a previous owner who may still have a legal claim to the house.
Who Needs a Title Search?
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Home Buyers: To ensure you aren’t inheriting someone else’s debt.
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Investors: To verify a deal is “clean” before putting down a non-refundable deposit.
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Lenders: To ensure their mortgage is in the “first lien position.”
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Attorneys: Who rely on our accuracy for estate settlements and divorce proceedings.
Ready to Close with Confidence?
Your real estate transaction deserves more than just a rubber stamp; it demands a partner who anticipates challenges before they become roadblocks. At First Partners Abstract, we view the title search as the blueprint for your future security.
Whether you are purchasing your first home in Pennsylvania or investing in commercial property in New Jersey, our forensic approach ensures that when you take the keys, the property is truly yours. We don’t just identify the problems in the public record—we leverage our legal expertise to proactively resolve them, ensuring a smooth, delay-free path to the settlement table.
Contact us today to get started!