Guide
What a clear title looks like, and the red flags that need a lawyer
Sellers say the title is clear. A buyer should be able to see why.
Signs of a clear title
- An unbroken chain of registered deeds from the earliest available owner to the seller
- Revenue records in the seller’s name matching the deed
- An encumbrance certificate with no unexplained mortgage or claim
- All co-owners and heirs accounted for and signing
- Taxes and dues paid
Red flags
- The seller will not show original documents
- Names or spellings differ between documents
- A sale by power of attorney with no explanation
- Heirs missing from the picture
- A price well below the neighbours
- Pressure to pay an advance quickly
What to do
Have a lawyer read the chain. Our document check screens the papers first so you do not pay for a legal opinion on a property that fails at step one. See also documents to check.
Not sure about a title?
Send the documents. We will tell you plainly what we see.