Category: Uncategorized

  • A Guide to Understanding the Deed of Easement

    A Guide to Understanding the Deed of Easement

    A deed of easement isn't a sale. It’s more like a legally binding permission slip that grants one party the right to use another party's land for a very specific reason—and it becomes a permanent part of both properties' legal history. For title industry professionals, understanding the nuances of these documents is critical to delivering…

  • How to Remove a Property Lien: A Title Professional’s Guide

    How to Remove a Property Lien: A Title Professional’s Guide

    The first thing to understand about a property lien is that you can’t just ignore it. To get it removed, you have to satisfy the debt, get the lienholder to sign off, and file the right paperwork with the county. And that last part is absolutely critical—just paying what you owe doesn't make the lien…

  • 9 Document Management Best Practices to Maximize Efficiency and Accuracy in 2025

    9 Document Management Best Practices to Maximize Efficiency and Accuracy in 2025

    In the high-stakes world of title searches and real estate abstracting, disorganized documents are more than just a nuisance—they are a direct threat to your accuracy, efficiency, and bottom line. Traditional methods of manually sifting through mountains of deeds, liens, and plat maps are no longer sustainable in a competitive market that demands both speed…

  • Land Title Searches: Your Guide to Property Due Diligence

    Land Title Searches: Your Guide to Property Due Diligence

    Think of a land title search as a deep-dive background check on a piece of property. It's the essential process of digging through historical records to confirm who legally owns a property and, just as importantly, to uncover any hidden claims or problems that could derail a real estate deal. At its core, a title…

  • A Complete Guide to Liens and Foreclosure

    A Complete Guide to Liens and Foreclosure

    A lien is a legal claim against a property for an unpaid debt. It’s the critical first step that can eventually lead to foreclosure. For professionals in the real estate and title industries, understanding this link isn't just academic—it's the core of risk management. Think of a lien as a red flag on a property's…

  • A Complete Guide to Documents of Title

    A Complete Guide to Documents of Title

    Imagine trying to sell a house without a deed or a car without its title. It sounds impossible, right? That’s the very problem documents of title solve for global trade. These critical papers are the official 'deeds' for goods in storage or on the move, proving who owns what. This simple concept allows billions of…

  • How to Start a Title Company: A Founder’s Guide for 2025

    How to Start a Title Company: A Founder’s Guide for 2025

    Thinking about starting a title company is a major step, but with a strategic plan, it's an incredibly rewarding venture. The journey can be simplified into four key stages: establishing your legal and business foundation, securing licenses and underwriter partnerships, building your operational and tech stack, and acquiring your first clients. From day one, your…

  • What Is a Release of Mortgage? Essential Guide Explained

    What Is a Release of Mortgage? Essential Guide Explained

    When a mortgage is finally paid off, it’s a huge milestone. But for real estate professionals, the celebration isn't over until one crucial document is secured: the release of mortgage. This is the official legal instrument that proves a home loan is fully paid and the lender's claim on the property is extinguished. Think of…

  • The Attorney Opinion Letter Explained: A Modern Guide

    The Attorney Opinion Letter Explained: A Modern Guide

    When you're dealing with real estate, you'll hear a lot about "title." But how do you really know if the title to a property is clean? That’s where an attorney opinion letter (AOL) comes in. Think of it as a property's legal bill of health, issued by a qualified lawyer. It’s a formal document that…

  • How to Research Property History Like a Pro

    How to Research Property History Like a Pro

    When you start digging into a property's history, you're essentially becoming a real estate detective. The process involves pulling public records—things like deeds, tax assessments, and parcel maps—to trace the line of ownership and spot any legal tripwires. This whole exercise is often called a title search, and its goal is to confirm the chain…