After months of searching, you’ve finally found it — your dream home. But is it really as clear-cut as it looks? Before you close, a preliminary title report answers a critical question: are you buying more than just the house?
What a preliminary report shows
A preliminary title report is generated early in the transaction and lists everything currently recorded against the property – existing mortgages, liens from unpaid contractors or taxes, easements, and any other encumbrances that could affect ownership.
Why it matters before you close
It gives you and your title company the chance to identify and resolve any issues – an unreleased old mortgage, an unpaid contractor’s lien – before they become your problem as the new owner.
It’s not the final word
The preliminary report is a starting point, not a guarantee. That’s exactly why an owner’s title insurance policy exists – to protect you against anything the search didn’t catch.
Have questions about a title report you’ve received? Call Dockside Realty at 850.225.9785 or email christine@docksiderealtyinc.com.