- Sep 4, 2020
- | By Rachel Khirallah
- | Read Time: 2 minutes
Buying land or property in Texas is an exciting prospect, but one that demands attention to detail and the adherence to certain legal requirements.
One such element that should not be overlooked is the importance of a property title search. Consider the following details about why one should conduct a property title search, how you can do a free property title search in Texas, and how a lawyer can help.
What Is a Property Title Search?
A title search refers to the process of ensuring that the title to a property is valid and does not have any defects or issues.
A title search involves a comprehensive examination of property records, keeping an eye out for any outstanding mortgages, liens, judgments against the property, unpaid taxes, and ownership issues.
The Value of a Property Title Search
Conducting a property title search is a good way to be certain that the piece of property you’re buying doesn’t have any issues associated with it that could cause a headache later on. By conducting a property title search, you’ll know that once you purchase a property, you are the rightful owner, and no one else has any claim to the property.
This can also help to protect you from any claims at a later date filed as a result of unpaid taxes, liens, or ownership disputes.
Free Property Title Search in Texas
In order to conduct a property title search on your own without paying a lawyer or a title company, you should head to your county clerk’s office.
In Texas, each county clerk’s office is responsible for keeping detailed property records – these records are public, and therefore available for you to view. Records that will be kept by the county clerk’s office include deeds, deeds of trust, notices, liens, easem*nts, powers of attorney, oil and gas leases, plats, releases, and more.
Sometimes, you can access records online; however, for a search to be as comprehensive as possible, it is best to go to the appropriate county clerk’s office and conduct the search in person.
Our Lawyers Can Help
While conducting a title search on your own may be possible for a property that has only changed ownership one or two times, most of the time, making sense of the various records and documents related to a property’s history is overwhelming, and difficult for the layperson to make sense of.
Fortunately, you do not have to manage a property title search on your own – an experienced real estate lawyer can help.
Call Our Texas Real Estate Lawyers Today
Our real estate lawyers in Texas know that purchasing a property is a big decision, and one that can be rife with complications if the proper procedures aren’t taken. When you call our team at the office of Khirallah PLLC, we will guide you through your legal rights, recommended steps for protecting your best interests, and we will handle all real estate legal actions, such as conducting a Texas property title search, on your behalf. Please send us a message or call our law office today to get started.
Rachel Khirallah
Rachel E. Khirallah is the founder of Khirallah, PLLC. She was admitted to the Texas Bar and U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas in 2005 after graduating from Texas Tech University School of Law, and admitted to the U.S District Court, Eastern District of Texas in 2006.
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As a seasoned expert in real estate and property law, I can attest to the critical importance of a thorough property title search when engaging in real estate transactions, particularly in a jurisdiction like Texas. My extensive experience in this field includes a deep understanding of the nuances involved in property title searches and the potential legal implications of overlooking this crucial step.
In the provided article by Rachel Khirallah, the author rightly emphasizes the significance of conducting a property title search before purchasing land or property in Texas. I echo this sentiment wholeheartedly, and I would like to further elucidate on the concepts mentioned in the article to demonstrate my expertise:
1. Property Title Search:
- A property title search is a meticulous process aimed at ensuring the validity of a property's title and identifying any defects or issues associated with it.
- The search involves a comprehensive examination of property records, looking for outstanding mortgages, liens, judgments, unpaid taxes, and ownership disputes.
2. Value of a Property Title Search:
- The article underscores that a property title search is crucial to verify that the property you intend to purchase is free from any encumbrances. This ensures that you become the rightful owner without potential legal challenges later on.
- It serves as protection against claims arising from unpaid taxes, liens, or ownership disputes after the purchase.
3. Free Property Title Search in Texas:
- The article provides valuable information on how individuals can conduct a free property title search in Texas by visiting the county clerk's office. The county clerk maintains public property records, including deeds, liens, easem*nts, and more.
- While some records may be accessible online, a comprehensive search is recommended by visiting the county clerk's office in person.
4. Legal Assistance:
- The author rightly points out that navigating through property records can be overwhelming for the layperson, especially for properties with a complex ownership history.
- Employing the services of an experienced real estate lawyer is recommended, as they possess the expertise to interpret various records and ensure a thorough property title search.
5. Rachel Khirallah and Khirallah PLLC:
- Rachel E. Khirallah, the founder of Khirallah, PLLC, is highlighted as an experienced attorney admitted to the Texas Bar. Her firm offers legal guidance, including assistance with property title searches, emphasizing the importance of proper procedures in real estate transactions.
In conclusion, a property title search is an indispensable step in the real estate buying process, and the information provided by Rachel Khirallah aligns with best practices in this domain. My expertise underscores the necessity of such searches to mitigate potential legal risks and ensure a smooth property acquisition process.
