WHAT DOES A TITLE EXAM INCLUDE IN GEORGIA?
A title examination is one of the most important steps in preparing a property for a real estate closing. In Georgia, title examinations involve reviewing public records to confirm property ownership and identify any liens, encumbrances, easements, or other issues that could affect the transfer of title.
​​
Innovative Title Solutions provides professional Georgia title examination services for real estate attorneys and settlement professionals throughout the state.
​
By examining the chain of title and reviewing relevant property records, title examiners provide attorneys and settlement professionals with the information needed to determine whether a property can be conveyed with clear title at closing.
What is a Title Examination
A title examination is the process of researching public land records to verify ownership history and identify any matters that may affect the title to a property. This research typically involves reviewing records maintained by county clerks, superior courts, tax offices, and other public databases.
​
​
Title examinations are commonly performed by experienced title examiners who analyze the recorded history of a property and prepare a title report summarizing relevant findings. The report allows attorneys to review potential title issues and determine what actions may be necessary before closing.
Reviewing the Chain of Title
One of the primary components of a title examination is reviewing the chain of title, which is the historical record of ownership transfers for a property.
​
The examiner reviews prior deeds and recorded instruments to confirm that ownership was properly transferred from one owner to the next. This process helps identify potential issues such as:
​
• Missing or incomplete conveyances
• Breaks in the chain of title
• Recording errors
• Incorrect legal descriptions
​
Verifying the chain of title helps ensure that the current owner has the legal right to transfer the property at closing.
Searching for Liens and Encumbrances
Another key part of a title examination involves identifying liens or encumbrances that may affect the property. These may include:
​
• Mortgages or deeds to secure debt
• Tax liens
• Judgment liens
• HOA or property association liens
• Mechanic’s liens
If any liens are discovered during the title examination, they typically must be addressed or satisfied before the property can be conveyed with clear title.
Reviewing Easements and Property Restrictions
Title examinations also identify recorded easements, covenants, and restrictions that may affect the use of the property. These documents may grant certain rights to third parties or impose limitations on how the property can be used. ​Examples may include:
​
• Utility easements
• Access easements
• Drainage easements
• Subdivision covenants or restrictions
Understanding these recorded interests helps attorneys and buyers understand any limitations associated with the property.
Reviewing Tax and Court Records
Title examiners also review various public records to identify potential issues affecting ownership. These records may include:
​
• County tax records
• Probate filings
• Superior court judgments
• Pending litigation affecting the property
These records may reveal matters that could impact title or require further review prior to closing.
Preparing the Title Report
After reviewing the relevant records, the title examiner prepares a title report summarizing the findings of the examination. The report typically includes:
​
• The current owner of record
• The legal description of the property
• Relevant deeds and conveyances
• Outstanding liens or encumbrances
• Recorded easements or restrictions
​
This information allows attorneys and settlement professionals to evaluate the status of the title and determine whether additional steps are needed before closing.
Title Examinations in Georgia Real Esate Closings
Georgia is an attorney state for real estate closings, meaning attorneys oversee settlement transactions and review title information before closing. Title examinations provide attorneys with the detailed property history needed to identify potential issues and ensure the property can be transferred with clear title.
​
Because property records are maintained at the county level, experienced title examiners often work directly with county record systems and public databases throughout Georgia when performing title research.
​
Attorneys and settlement professionals often rely on experienced examiners to provide accurate Georgia title examination services that support efficient real estate closings.
PROFESSIONAL TITLE EXAMINATION SERVICES IN GEORGIA
Innovative Title Solutions® provides professional Georgia title examination services for real estate attorneys, lenders, and settlement professionals throughout the state. Our experienced examiners work directly with county records to deliver accurate title reports that support efficient real estate closings.
​
Learn more about our Georgia Title Examination Services and how our team supports attorneys and settlement professionals across Georgia.
​
To explore more educational articles about Georgia title research, visit our Georgia Title & Closing Resource Center.