Identify the property’s exact address and legal description
Determine the county or jurisdiction where the property is recorded
Search the county recorder, clerk, or land records office
Review the current deed to confirm the present owner
Trace the chain of title backward through prior deeds
Check for mortgages, liens, judgments, tax liens, and easements
Search for probate, divorce, bankruptcy, and foreclosure records
Verify property tax status and unpaid assessments
Confirm any restrictions, covenants, or encumbrances
Compare all names, dates, and legal descriptions for consistency
Order a title report or title commitment if needed
Review the results for gaps, defects, or unresolved claims
Resolve issues before closing or transferring the property
Consider hiring a title company, real estate attorney, or abstractor