Title Search

• A buyer should always obtain a title search from a title company before purchasing a home. The company searches public records and other sources for any liens, easements (such as the utility company’s right to access part of the property), or other encumbrances or title restrictions that may affect ownership or use of the property.

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• Under the Illinois purchase contract, the seller is expected to correct those problems as a condition to closing.

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• If your mortgage lender doesn’t already require it, you should also consider purchasing a title insurance policy to protect your title to the property against adverse claims by third parties, or any clouds on the title missed by the title search.