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What is the process of conducting a title search in Miami?

Conducting a title search is a crucial step in the process of buying real estate in Miami, FL or any other location. It is essential to hire a reputable title search company or a real estate attorney experienced in handling title searches.

The process of conducting a title search in Miami, Florida, involves the following steps:

  1. Obtain Property Information: all the distinguishing information about the property, such as the address, legal description, and the names of the current and previous owners.
  2. Examine Public Records: documentation related to the property, including deeds, mortgages, liens, judgments, tax records, and other relevant documents.
  3. Establish Chain of Title: The title search will establish a chain of title, which is a historical record of all the property's ownership transfers. It ensures that the current seller has the legal right to sell the property. Outlines the historical record of all the property's ownership transfers. This step ensures that the current seller has the legal right to sell the property.
  4. Check for Liens and Encumbrances: Reveals any liens or encumbrances on the property, such as unpaid taxes, mortgages, or outstanding debts. These issues must be addressed and cleared before the property can be sold.
  5. Clearing Title Defects: Cures any issues discovered during the title search before the closing of the real estate transaction

Once the title search is complete, a title report will be generated. This report provides a summary of the property's ownership history and highlights any potential issues that need to be resolved before closing.

Additionally, in many real estate transactions, title insurance is purchased to protect the buyer and the lender from any unforeseen title defects that may arise in the future.

It is important to note that while this general process applies to most title searches, the specific requirements and regulations may vary from state to state or city to city.

In Florida, for example, taxes are sold in the form of interest-accruing tax certificates, requiring redemption calculations. Additionally, in this “super lien” state, HOA liens have priority over others, regardless of recording date, which reports must clearly reflect. In Miami-Dade County specifically, liens may be filed with the municipality but not recorded in the public records and thus easily missed without an “Unrecorded Lien Search,” which ProtitleUSA provides. This county also requires a keen eye to analyze lien documents in order to expose appended stipulations that can affect future buyers.

It is always recommended to seek the assistance of a professional title search company or real estate attorney to ensure a thorough and accurate title search.

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