Title Exams
What You Need to Know
Knowing about title exams is essential for anyone involved in real estate transactions, especially in states like Georgia, where closings are legally required to be overseen by a licensed attorney. Here’s why understanding title exams matters:
Protect Your Investment
A title exam uncovers any existing liens, claims, or ownership issues that could prevent a clean transfer of property. Without a clear title, buyers could face future legal disputes or even lose their rights to the property.
Ensure Legal Compliance
In Georgia, a properly conducted title exam is part of meeting legal requirements for real estate closings. Attorneys and title professionals must rely on accurate, well-documented abstracts to issue title insurance and finalize the transaction.
Prevent Delays & Disputes
Title issues like unpaid taxes, unknown heirs, or recording errors can derail a closing. By understanding the importance of title exams, you can proactively address problems, reduce last-minute surprises, and close on time.
Work Smarter with Professionals
Whether you’re a lender, attorney, or real estate agent, knowing how title exams work helps you collaborate more effectively with your title abstractor or examiner. It ensures you ask the right questions and trust the information provided.
What is a title exam?
A real estate title exam is a vital part of the closing process that determines the legal status of a property’s ownership. This examination identifies any issues that could impact a buyer’s ability to receive clear and marketable title.
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During the exam, a trained title professional reviews a wide range of public records related to the property. These may include:
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Deeds
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Mortgages
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Liens
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Easements
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Judgments
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Tax records
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The purpose of the exam is to verify that the current owner has legal authority to transfer the property and to identify any encumbrances or legal risks that may affect the transaction.
What is a title abstract?
A title abstract is a written summary of the findings from the title exam. It offers a concise yet comprehensive record of the property’s legal history, including:
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Chain of ownership
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Recorded transfers and deeds
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Outstanding liens or mortgages
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Tax delinquencies
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Legal actions such as judgments or foreclosures
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Easements or encroachments
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Compiled by a skilled abstractor, this document enables attorneys, title agents, and underwriters to assess the property's title and determine whether any issues must be resolved prior to closing.
Why do I need a title abstract in Georgia?
In Georgia, a thorough title abstract is essential to a compliant and successful real estate transaction.
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As an attorney state, Georgia law requires that real estate closings be conducted by a licensed attorney. That attorney typically relies on a locally prepared title abstract to verify ownership and identify any legal concerns that must be addressed before closing.
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A title abstract in Georgia helps to:
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Confirm Legal Ownership – Verifies that the seller holds valid title and can legally transfer it.
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Identify Title Defects – Detects unpaid taxes, liens, judgments, easements, or missing documentation.
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Ensure Marketable Title – Supports the attorney’s determination that the title is clear and insurable.
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Prevent Delays and Disputes – Helps avoid unexpected issues at the closing table.
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Because Georgia’s real estate laws demand careful due diligence, a jurisdiction-specific title abstract isn’t just helpful—it’s critical. That’s why local knowledge and attention to detail matter.