What is the typical process for a title search and curing defects?

• A. Hire a private detective to physically inspect the property.
• B. Rely on the seller’s word without public records.
• C. Review public records, identify defects or liens, obtain releases or payoff funds, and secure title insurance to cure issues.
• D. Obtain a mortgage before performing a title search.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to ensure the buyer gets a marketable title by checking public records and fixing anything that clouds ownership. This means reviewing deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, easements, and other recorded items to see who actually owns the property and what could prevent clear title. If defects exist, you work to cure them by obtaining releases or payoff amounts from lienholders or former owners, negotiating settlements, and recording the necessary documents to remove the encumbrances. Once those issues are resolved, a title company provides title insurance to protect against any remaining or unknown defects and to guarantee the buyer will receive clear title at closing. Relying on physical inspection, or on the seller’s word without public records, won’t address these legal encumbrances, and starting with a mortgage before a title search doesn’t cure any existing title problems.