Six ways to make sure you are getting a proper and correct title search you can rely on.
Obtaining a title search is an important aspect of doing due diligence on real estate. The holder of a title search is relying on the document to keep from becoming responsible for liens, mortgages, or deed fraud. When deciding on a source to provide you with this critical information, there are some basic steps to take to ensure that the firm you are working with is a legitimate source and provides genuine information.
An online website can offer reports claiming to be a “title search,” but unless you know exactly how it is being produced, you may not be receiving a document which is an actual title, but could be a basic electronic property report with incorrect, outdated, or incomplete information.
Does your title search source have a physical address? A person can set up an office in a basement or garage and using a website churn out unofficial reports and label the title searches. If you have a location where staff actually exists and provides your service, you will be able to reach them if you have questions. Check for a physical address on their website, not just a PO Box or UPS mailbox.
Does your title searcher have a business license? Ask to see copies of a valid business license to make sure the vendor is an actual legal enterprise. A person not willing to take the basic step of obtaining a business license is more likely to cut corners on your search.
Is your title searcher certified to do abstracts? Anyone can instantly call them self a “title searcher” with no experience or training. Make sure your searchers is a “Certified Title Abstractor” but the National Association of Land Title Examiners and Abstractors (NALTEA).
Is the corporation a member of the American Land Title Association? This demonstrates an intentional participation in the title industry as opposed to a fly-by-night company.
Does the firm have additional credentials? Does the company have other memberships, licenses, credentials, or publications? The more qualified experts will have many types of documented expertise.
Does the company rated with the Better Business Bureau? This is a basic step to be aware of complaints or the lack of previous existence. 
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AFX LLC / TitleSearch.com has been providing title research since 1995, and researched over 10 million documents.
