Platforms like\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0aggregate deed records, lien filings, mortgage documents, ownership history and tax data into one searchable property\u00a0report,\u00a0making\u00a0it possible to conduct preliminary title research online.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Explore our\u00a0step-by-step guide explaining how you can perform a title\u00a0search\u00a0yourself.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Is a Title Search?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
A title search involves reviewing public records to confirm\u00a0the following information:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Legal ownership\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- The chain of title (historical ownership transfers)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Mortgages and liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Judgments or other encumbrances\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Easements or restrictions affecting the property\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
The goal\u00a0of a title search\u00a0is to ensure that the property has a clear ownership history and that\u00a0there are\u00a0no outstanding claims\u00a0that\u00a0could\u00a0affect a\u00a0potential\u00a0sale or transfer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to Do a Title Search on Property Yourself\u00a0Step-by-Step\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Note: The steps below apply to users with a paid\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0subscription, which provides access to recorded deed and lien data.<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1:\u00a0Locate\u00a0the Property Information\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Start by\u00a0identifying\u00a0the property\u00a0on\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0by\u00a0street address, parcel number(APN) or owner name. After finding the property of your choice,\u00a0open\u00a0the 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Review the Current Deed\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Next, examine the most recent recorded deed.\u00a0Depending on availability, the following\u00a0details are\u00a0bound to give you the necessary and most relevant insights:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Current owner name\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Transfer date\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Recording number\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Grantor (seller)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Grantee (buyer)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Transfer price\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.propertyshark.com\/Real-Estate-Reports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2026\/04\/Documents1.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPropertyShark\u00a0displays recorded deed\u00a0information,\u00a0document history\u00a0and whether the transfer\u00a0appears\u00a0to be\u00a0arm\u2019s length (standard market transaction), making\u00a0it easier to\u00a0identify\u00a0the most recent valid transfer.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Trace the Chain of Title\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A proper title search goes beyond the current deed.\u00a0When learning\u00a0how to do a title search on property yourself, it\u2019s important to trace ownership back through previous transfers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When reviewing\u00a0previous\u00a0deeds:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Confirm\u00a0that\u00a0each transfer was properly recorded\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Check for gaps in ownership history\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Ensure the legal description remained\u00a0consistent across documents\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
PropertyShark\u00a0provides historical deed records in one place, which, compared to manual courthouse searches, is significantly\u00a0easier and more\u00a0time-efficient.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Check for Liens and Mortgages\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Even after\u00a0establishing\u00a0all the\u00a0previous\u00a0details, a\u00a0title search is incomplete without reviewing potential claims against the property.\u00a0To complete a thorough due\u00a0diligence, make sure to also look for:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Mortgage filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Tax liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Mechanic\u2019s liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Judgments\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- HOA liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.propertyshark.com\/Real-Estate-Reports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2026\/04\/Financials.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPropertyShark\u00a0displays recorded mortgage details, including open mortgages, loan amounts, recording dates and lien filings.\u00a0Be sure to distinguish between active mortgages and released or satisfied liens.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Review Property Tax Information\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Property tax records are an important part of title research.\u00a0While tax status details may vary by jurisdiction, reviewing tax assessments and payment history helps provide additional context.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.propertyshark.com\/Real-Estate-Reports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2026\/04\/Tax.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPropertyShark\u00a0integrates tax history and assessment data into the property report, allowing you to see assessed value,\u00a0tax\u00a0amounts\u00a0and\u00a0historical tax data, among other relevant property-level details. This information helps identify potential financial obligations tied to the property.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 6: Confirm There Are No Pending Legal Filings\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finally, check for any legal actions that could affect the property\u2019s title.\u00a0Make sure to look for lis pendens notices and foreclosure filings. Keep in mind that pending legal actions may impact ownership rights or future transfers.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.propertyshark.com\/Real-Estate-Reports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2026\/04\/Lis-pendens.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nHow Can I Do an Online\u00a0Title Search Myself?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0wondering\u00a0how can I do an online\u00a0title search\u00a0myself<\/strong>,\u00a0the basic process includes\u00a0the following steps:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Search for the property on\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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- Review current ownership and deed history\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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- Examine mortgage and lien filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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- Check available tax records\u00a0and confirm property tax status\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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- Verify if\u00a0there are\u00a0any\u00a0open legal encumbrances\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
By reviewing these public records in one\u00a0consolidated\u00a0report, you can conduct preliminary title research efficiently.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Common Mistakes When Doing a Title Search Yourself\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When learning\u00a0how to do title search on property yourself<\/strong>,\u00a0make sure to\u00a0avoid these common errors:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Failing to trace\u00a0the full chain of title\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Overlooking smaller lien filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Confusing a mortgage release with an active mortgage\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Ignoring inconsistencies in the legal description\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Relying only on the current owner\u2019s name\u00a0and information\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
A thorough review requires examining both current and historical documents\u00a0and cross-checking the information to reveal the most\u00a0accurate\u00a0overview.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When You May Still Need a Title Company\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When doing a title search on a property, the\u00a0ultimate goal\u00a0of your search will\u00a0determine\u00a0the best strategy. Keep in mind that\u00a0DIY title searches are useful for\u00a0research, preliminary due diligence, investment analysis or ownership verification.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However,\u00a0a licensed title professional or attorney may still\u00a0be\u00a0required\u00a0for\u00a0closing\u00a0a\u00a0sale, issuing title insurance\u00a0or resolving legal disputes.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Using Public Records Matters\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Title searches rely on officially recorded public documents. Traditionally, accessing these records required visiting county courthouses\u00a0in person\u00a0and reviewing documents manually, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aggregated property data platforms simplify the process.\u00a0Specifically,\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0consolidates:\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Deeds\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Mortgage filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Ownership history\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Tax records\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
As a public records and property data research tool,\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0streamlines access to the documents needed for preliminary title research.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.propertyshark.com\/Real-Estate-Reports\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/98\/2026\/02\/Banner-blue-buildings.png\")
<\/span>\n<\/span>Start your title search with PropertyShark.<\/span><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
- Tax records\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Ownership history\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mortgage filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Deeds\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Relying only on the current owner\u2019s name\u00a0and information\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Ignoring inconsistencies in the legal description\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Confusing a mortgage release with an active mortgage\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Overlooking smaller lien filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Failing to trace\u00a0the full chain of title\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Verify if\u00a0there are\u00a0any\u00a0open legal encumbrances\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Check available tax records\u00a0and confirm property tax status\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Examine mortgage and lien filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Review current ownership and deed history\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- Search for the property on\u00a0PropertyShark\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
- HOA liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Judgments\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mechanic\u2019s liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Tax liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mortgage filings\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Ensure the legal description remained\u00a0consistent across documents\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Check for gaps in ownership history\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Confirm\u00a0that\u00a0each transfer was properly recorded\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Transfer price\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n
- Grantee (buyer)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Grantor (seller)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Recording number\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Transfer date\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Current owner name\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Easements or restrictions affecting the property\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Judgments or other encumbrances\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Mortgages and liens\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- The chain of title (historical ownership transfers)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n