Hattiesburg Title Search Lawyer

Title Search Attorney in Hattiesburg, MS

Buying a new property can be an exciting time, and everyone wants the process to move easily and efficiently. Sometimes, though, the process hits a snag because the title’s owner is in question or has discrepancies or debts. A Hattiesburg title search lawyer understands how frustrating this can be and is here to help you.

How We Can Help

At the Law Offices of Perry W. Phillips, we have worked in real estate law for decades. Our knowledgeable legal team brings more than 30 years of experience to each one of our clients. We are skilled at investigating the issue and assessing how to proceed effectively.

Having successfully navigated multiple title searches in the past, we can approach your unique circumstances with confidence, provide legal advice based on our in-depth understanding of title search laws, and create a strategy that can help you move forward with your property. Having our team on your side can vastly improve not only your experience but your outcome.

Performing a Title Search in Hattiesburg, Mississippi

A title search is necessary because sometimes records are unclear regarding who the owner is or whether there is a lien. Fixing these issues in the long run can be expensive and time-consuming, but if you run a title search ahead of time, you might be able to avoid those costs.

If your title search lawyer is able to perform an extensive review of the property, then you can rest easy. To be able to verify the title, they can review:

• Past mortgages
• Deeds
• Easements
• Tax records

While performing the search, it’s possible to identify some issues with the title or title defects. Throughout the United States, 63 percent of realtors reported being aware of title fraud in their area, so it’s important to have someone experienced looking out for you. A Hattiesburg, MS title search attorney might find:

• Liens on the property, from construction bills to credit judgments to HOA dues
• Long-lost heirs to the property
• Taxes left unpaid, which could transfer to the new owner
• Disputes about boundaries or easements
• Fraudulent signatures or titles filed incorrectly

These surprises could end up costing tens of thousands of dollars, so finding them before closing can make a big difference. 

Hire a Title Search Lawyer Today

A title search lawyer can do the deep research to find out if the title is clean and ready for you. They have a variety of skills and can:

• Provide legal counsel concerning title search laws
• Delve into the property records either through a request at City Hall on 200 Forrest Street or elsewhere
• Review the ownership transfers, or the chain of title, and verify that they were completed cleanly
• Check for unpaid taxes
• Look for liens, either from the contractor, child support, or other types
• Find out if there are any debts to the HOA or credit judgments
• Review easements and property restrictions by looking at shared driveways, deed limitations, and utility access
• Complete a full report
• Help you resolve discrepancies with the title

If you hire a title search lawyer, their job is to ensure that your title can be transferred cleanly from the buyer to the seller. Having them in your corner can make a positive impact on the buying and selling process, allowing you to breathe a little easier knowing that the title transfer is legal and ready to go.

FAQs About Title Search Law

How Much Does a Title Search Cost in MS?

How much a title search costs in MS can vary depending on the circumstances. A residential title could cost between $100-300, but commercial properties might cost $1000 or more. This cost might not be accurate for your title search case, though, so it’s important to speak with a title search lawyer to get a more accurate estimate. They can also guide you through the process, using their understanding of title search laws and regulations.

Do You Need a Lawyer to Do a Title Search?

While it is possible to do a title search on your own, hiring a title search lawyer can help you overcome unexpected challenges during the title search process. Some circumstances might actually require a title search lawyer. These could include an active bankruptcy, multiple liens on the property, and disputes over boundaries.

An experienced title search attorney understands the process in depth and can help the process move more smoothly, especially in situations that are higher risk.

How Long Does It Take an Attorney to Do a Title Search?

How long it takes an attorney to do a title search depends on the complexity of the case. If it’s fairly straightforward, the search might only take a few days, but more complex cases can take between ten and fourteen days. Some cases that might take longer involve multiple previous owners, which can happen with older homes or properties with legal disputes. This can require more time to research, and if the records aren’t digitized, it can take even longer.

What’s the Difference Between a Dirty and a Clean Title?

The difference between a dirty and a clean title is that a clean title usually has definitive ownership, but a dirty title’s ownership is more difficult to pinpoint. Sometimes a dirty title might have multiple liens, perhaps unknown liens, or a question of who might be able to claim ownership over the property.

A lawyer experienced with title searches can help define what type of title you’re searching for and how to proceed appropriately.

Contact the Law Offices of Perry W. Phillips Today

Because the time frame of a title search can vary depending on the circumstances, it’s important to begin the process as soon as possible. At our office, we aim to make things as smooth as we can for our clients. To get the process underway or to find out more about how we can help you, contact our office to schedule a consultation.