Check the county recorder, register of deeds, or land records office where the property is located
Search the property by address, parcel number, and owner name
Review the title report or title commitment if available
Ask a title company to run a title search
Look for recorded liens such as mortgages, tax liens, mechanic’s liens, judgment liens, and HOA liens
Check with the county tax assessor or treasurer for unpaid property taxes
Search court records for judgments against the owner
Review HOA records for unpaid assessments or association liens
Ask the seller for a lien release or payoff statement
Hire a real estate attorney or title professional to confirm the results