Selling your home is an exciting milestone, but before you plant that “For Sale” sign in the yard, there’s one thing that shouldn’t be overlooked: your title. A clean title ensures a smooth transaction for everyone involved, and skipping this important step can delay or even derail your sale. Here’s what to review before you list:
- Ownership and Vesting:
Make sure the name(s) on your title match the name(s) of the seller(s). If there have been any name changes due to marriage, divorce, or inheritance, now’s the time to get those corrected. If multiple owners are involved, it’s important to confirm how the ownership is legally held (joint tenancy, tenants in common, etc.).
- Liens and Judgments:
Unpaid debts such as property taxes, contractor bills, HOA fees, or even child support can result in liens against your home. These must be resolved before closing. A title company can run a search and identify any hidden liens that may not be immediately obvious.
- Legal Descriptions and Property Boundaries:
It’s not just about your street address, the legal description on your title should accurately reflect the boundaries of your property. Survey issues or encroachments (like a neighbor’s fence crossing onto your lot) could be flagged during escrow and delay your closing.
- Easements and Restrictions:
Check for any recorded easements that give others rights to use a portion of your land, such as utility companies or shared driveways. Also review any CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions) that might impact your buyer’s intended use of the property.
- Prior Title Issues:
If you bought your home with a title insurance policy, it’s worth reviewing that policy to see if any exceptions were noted at the time of purchase. These issues may still exist and could resurface during your own sale.
At ROC Title, we’re here to help make your transaction as smooth and stress-free as possible. A little preparation goes a long way and reviewing your title before listing can save time, money, and frustration.
Red, white & review your title and sell with confidence!