Liens on property and title companies?

Question

Are you responsible for a lien on a property from the previous owner even if you have gone through a title company?

Who do I hire to do a title search to make sure that there are no liens on a property? realtor or title company?

People on yahoo suggested that I should hire a title company to close escrow. But I thought title companies are required. You can do that yourself?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

No, if you have a title insurance policy from your purchase you are not responsible.  If the issue comes up, send a claim to your title company asap.

Title Companies do title searches and most states require title searchers (Title Examiners) to be licensed by the state.  Realtors are generally not title examiners....well I'm sure there's the occassional odd exception.

Your lender would NEVER let you close without a title company and a title search.  If you are buying the property without a mortgage you can do whatever you want.  I have run title searches for over 10 years and 90 per cent of properties are just fine, but how do you know if yours is one of the 90%?