WHAT DOES A TITLE EXAM INCLUDE IN GEORGIA?

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.

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The examiner reviews prior deeds and recorded documents to confirm that ownership was properly transferred from one owner to the next. This process helps identify potential issues such as:

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• Missing or incomplete conveyances
• Breaks in the chain of title
• Recording errors
• Incorrect legal descriptions

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Verifying the chain of title helps ensure that the current owner has the legal right to transfer the property at closing.

Another key part of a title examination involves identifying liens or encumbrances that may affect the property. These may include:

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• 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.

Title examinations also identify recorded easements, covenants, and restrictions that may affect the use of the property. These documents may grant certain rights to others or impose limitations on how the property can be used.  ​Examples may include:

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• 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.

Title examiners also review various public records to identify potential issues affecting ownership. These records may include:

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• 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.

After reviewing the relevant records, the title examiner prepares a title report summarizing the findings of the examination. The report typically includes:

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• The current owner of record
• The legal description of the property
• Relevant deeds and conveyances
• Outstanding liens or encumbrances
• Recorded easements or restrictions

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This information allows attorneys and settlement professionals to evaluate the status of the title and determine whether additional steps are needed before closing.

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Need a title examination in Georgia? We work directly with attorneys and lenders to support real estate closings with reliable title reports.

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.

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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.

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Attorneys and settlement professionals often rely on experienced examiners to provide accurate title information for real estate closings.​

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We regularly work with professionals across Georgia, including:

• Real estate attorneys

• Lenders

• Title companies

• Investors