Recorded interests and debts
A title review may find matters that need to be resolved, disclosed, or listed as exceptions before a policy is issued. Common examples include:
- A prior mortgage that has not been formally released.
- Property taxes or assessments that remain unpaid.
- A judgment lien against a person in the chain of title.
- A contractor’s or mechanic’s lien tied to earlier work.
- An easement allowing someone else to use part of the property.
- A recorded restriction that limits certain uses.
- An earlier deed that conflicts with a later transfer.
Document and identity problems
Other concerns arise from the documents or the authority of the people who signed them:
- A deed with an incorrect legal description.
- A filing recorded or indexed against the wrong property.
- A missing signature or acknowledgment on a prior document.
- A forged signature or false impersonation of an owner.
- A power of attorney that was invalid or no longer effective.
- A transfer made by someone without authority to act for an entity.
- A deed executed when a signer’s legal capacity is disputed.
Ownership and property questions
The people and land involved can raise additional questions:
- An heir or beneficiary whose interest was overlooked.
- An unresolved probate matter in a prior owner’s estate.
- A spouse or former spouse who may have an interest under applicable law.
- A transfer affected by a bankruptcy proceeding.
- A structure or fence that crosses a boundary.
- A survey or boundary description that does not match expectations.
- Unclear legal access to a public road or another necessary route.
What this checklist means
The presence of an issue does not automatically stop a sale. Some items can be corrected, insured over, or accepted as exceptions; others need more investigation. A title policy does not cover every item on this list. Coverage depends on the policy, its exceptions and exclusions, and the facts of the claim.
If a commitment mentions a matter you do not understand, ask your title or closing team what it means for this transaction before signing.
These guides are general education. Processes and documents vary by transaction and state. The terms of any issued policy control coverage. Ask your title or closing team about your documents, and take legal or tax questions to your own attorney or adviser.