How to Do a Title Search on Property Yourself: A Step-by-Step Online Guide 

Whether you’re buying, refinancing, investing in real estate or simply verifying ownership, knowing how to do a title search on property yourself can be a valuable skill. 

A property title search is the process of reviewing public records to confirm who legally owns a property and whether there are any liens, mortgages or legal claims attached to it. While many buyers rely on title companies, much of this research can be done independently using publicly recorded documents. 

Platforms like PropertyShark aggregate deed records, lien filings, mortgage documents, ownership history and tax data into one searchable property report, making it possible to conduct preliminary title research online. 

Explore our step-by-step guide explaining how you can perform a title search yourself. 

What Is a Title Search? 

A title search involves reviewing public records to confirm the following information: 

• Legal ownership 

• The chain of title (historical ownership transfers) 

• Mortgages and liens 

• Judgments or other encumbrances 

• Easements or restrictions affecting the property 

The goal of a title search is to ensure that the property has a clear ownership history and that there are no outstanding claims that could affect a potential sale or transfer. 

How to Do a Title Search on Property Yourself Step-by-Step 

Note: The steps below apply to users with a paid PropertyShark subscription, which provides access to recorded deed and lien data. 

Step 1: Locate the Property Information 

Start by identifying the property on PropertyShark by street address, parcel number(APN) or owner name. After finding the property of your choice, open the detailed property report. This report typically includes current ownership details, legal description, parcel number and detailed property characteristics. Together, these data points establish the foundation for your title search.

Step 2: Review the Current Deed 

Next, examine the most recent recorded deed. Depending on availability, the following details are bound to give you the necessary and most relevant insights: 

• Current owner name 

• Transfer date 

• Recording number 

• Grantor (seller) 

• Grantee (buyer) 

• Transfer price 

PropertyShark displays recorded deed information, document history and whether the transfer appears to be arm’s length (standard market transaction), making it easier to identify the most recent valid transfer. 

Step 3: Trace the Chain of Title 

A proper title search goes beyond the current deed. When learning how to do a title search on property yourself, it’s important to trace ownership back through previous transfers.

When reviewing previous deeds: 

• Confirm that each transfer was properly recorded 

• Check for gaps in ownership history 

• Ensure the legal description remained consistent across documents 

PropertyShark provides historical deed records in one place, which, compared to manual courthouse searches, is significantly easier and more time-efficient.  

Step 4: Check for Liens and Mortgages 

Even after establishing all the previous details, a title search is incomplete without reviewing potential claims against the property. To complete a thorough due diligence, make sure to also look for: 

• Mortgage filings 

• Tax liens 

• Mechanic’s liens 

• Judgments 

• HOA liens 

PropertyShark displays recorded mortgage details, including open mortgages, loan amounts, recording dates and lien filings. Be sure to distinguish between active mortgages and released or satisfied liens. 

Step 5: Review Property Tax Information 

Property tax records are an important part of title research. While tax status details may vary by jurisdiction, reviewing tax assessments and payment history helps provide additional context. 

PropertyShark integrates tax history and assessment data into the property report, allowing you to see assessed value, tax amounts and historical tax data, among other relevant property-level details. This information helps identify potential financial obligations tied to the property. 

Step 6: Confirm There Are No Pending Legal Filings 

Finally, check for any legal actions that could affect the property’s title. Make sure to look for lis pendens notices and foreclosure filings. Keep in mind that pending legal actions may impact ownership rights or future transfers.

How Can I Do an Online Title Search Myself? 

If you’re wondering how can I do an online title search myself, the basic process includes the following steps: 

1. Search for the property on PropertyShark 

2. Review current ownership and deed history 

3. Examine mortgage and lien filings 

4. Check available tax records and confirm property tax status 

5. Verify if there are any open legal encumbrances 

By reviewing these public records in one consolidated report, you can conduct preliminary title research efficiently. 

Common Mistakes When Doing a Title Search Yourself 

When learning how to do title search on property yourself, make sure to avoid these common errors: 

• Failing to trace the full chain of title 

• Overlooking smaller lien filings 

• Confusing a mortgage release with an active mortgage 

• Ignoring inconsistencies in the legal description 

• Relying only on the current owner’s name and information 

A thorough review requires examining both current and historical documents and cross-checking the information to reveal the most accurate overview. 

When You May Still Need a Title Company 

When doing a title search on a property, the ultimate goal of your search will determine the best strategy. Keep in mind that DIY title searches are useful for research, preliminary due diligence, investment analysis or ownership verification. 

However, a licensed title professional or attorney may still be required for closing a sale, issuing title insurance or resolving legal disputes. 

Why Using Public Records Matters 

Title searches rely on officially recorded public documents. Traditionally, accessing these records required visiting county courthouses in person and reviewing documents manually, which can be a complex and time-consuming process. 

Aggregated property data platforms simplify the process. Specifically, PropertyShark consolidates: 

• Deeds 

• Liens 

• Mortgage filings 

• Ownership history 

• Tax records 

As a public records and property data research tool, PropertyShark streamlines access to the documents needed for preliminary title research. 

Conclusion 

Understanding how to do a title search on property yourself empowers buyers, investors and researchers to verify ownership and uncover potential issues before moving forward. 

By reviewing recorded deeds, tracing the chain of title, checking for liens and legal filings and analyzing tax data, you can conduct comprehensive preliminary due diligence. 

Platforms like PropertyShark simplify this process by consolidating public records into a single, searchable property report — helping you move from who owns this property  to is the title clear with greater efficiency and accuracy. 

FAQs 

How much does a title search cost? 

Costs vary depending on whether you perform it yourself or hire a title company. DIY research typically requires access to public records platforms, while professional title searches involve service fees. 

Can I do a title search without a lawyer? 

Yes, you can review public records yourself. However, legal professionals are typically required for formal title opinions or insurance issuance. 

How far back should I check the chain of title? 

It depends on your purpose. Many professionals trace ownership back several decades to ensure continuity, but requirements may vary by jurisdiction. 

What documents are included in a title search? 

Deeds, mortgages, liens, tax records and other recorded documents affecting ownership. 

Is a title search the same as title insurance? 

No. A title search reviews recorded documents. Title insurance protects against future claims or defects not discovered during the search.