What is the purpose of a title search?

The purpose of a title search primarily revolves around verifying the legal ownership of a property. It involves examining public records to establish who has rights to the property and to identify any liens, encumbrances, or disputes regarding ownership. This process is crucial before the transfer of property ownership to ensure the seller has the right to sell the property and that the buyer will obtain clear title. By confirming the legal ownership, parties involved in a real estate transaction can proceed with peace of mind, knowing that the title is free from issues that could arise later.

Options that focus on appraising property value, assessing property taxes, or inspecting physical conditions concern different aspects of real estate but do not align with the primary goal of a title search. Property appraisals are focused on determining market value, property taxes deal with government assessments for taxation, and inspections evaluate physical conditions. Each of these plays an important role in the overall real estate process but does not pertain to title verification.