Title Issues That Can Disrupt a Real Estate Closing (and How We Solve Them)

A successful real estate closing depends on one critical factor: a clear and marketable title.

Unexpected title issues such as liens or errors in recording can delay or even derail the closing process, jeopardizing purchase offers and eroding client confidence.

In this article, we’ll explore how Certified Title helps identify, resolve, and prevent these challenges so closings proceed smoothly and without disruption.

1. Undisclosed liens, judgments, and encumbrances

The issue: Hidden liabilities like unpaid taxes, mechanics’ liens, or judgment liens can surface during the title search and stall the closing. Mortgage companies and real estate agents rely on the title company to uncover these problems early to avoid last-minute delays or inflated closing costs.

How Certified solves it: Our team identifies liens during the title search and works directly to resolve or clear them. This ensures the purchase agreement can move forward without jeopardizing the closing.

2. Public record errors and clerical mistakes

The issue: A small typo such as an incorrect lot number or a misspelled surname can cloud ownership or complicate ownership of the property. These errors can throw a major wrench into a real estate transaction.

How Certified solves it: Our attorney-led team thoroughly reviews all closing documents and public records. If errors arise, we coordinate prompt corrections with the recorder’s office to keep your keys to your new home on schedule.

3. Disputes over ownership or unknown heirs

The issue: Purchasing a home from an estate can sometimes surface unknown ownership claims or missing heirs with legal rights. These disputes may require a quiet title action to clear, even after closing costs and other details are settled.

How Certified solves it: Because our firm is owned and operated by an experienced real estate attorney, we have the legal expertise needed to resolve these disputes quickly and effectively. Our team addresses ownership conflicts and restores clarity to the property title.

4. Unreleased or forged documents

The issue: Old mortgages may be paid off but never discharged from public records. Similarly, forged deeds, especially quitclaim deeds, can put property ownership in question and jeopardize the transaction.

How Certified solves it: Our rigorous title search is designed to detect unreleased liens and document fraud. When necessary, we initiate lien release processes or take the legal steps required to invalidate fraudulent documents, protecting both the purchase offer and the closing date.

5. Easement and boundary challenges

The issue: Unexplained access rights or unclear boundary lines can affect property use and marketability. A misplaced fence or an improperly recorded easement can delay closing.

How Certified solves it: We incorporate survey data and municipal records into our reviews. When boundary questions arise, we coordinate resolutions that support a timely, clean real estate closing.

6. Unseen title issues

The issue: Even after exhaustive title work, undiscovered defects sometimes emerge later. Without protection, buyers could face unexpected claims or disputes long after closing.

How Certified solves it: We provide both lender’s policies (required by mortgage companies) and optional owner’s title insurance. These policies shield against loss from defects, fraud, and unrecorded claims, giving buyers peace of mind well beyond the closing date.

7. The complexities of closing coordination

The issue: A real estate closing requires many moving parts. Buyers, sellers, lenders, and real estate agents all need to stay aligned, and even a small misstep, like a missing document or miscommunication, can cause delays or added costs.

How Certified solves it: We manage every step, from verifying closing costs and coordinating with mortgage companies to reviewing closing documents and facilitating communication. By integrating title search, insurance, and issue resolution, we help clients go from purchase offer to closing with confidence.

In today’s market, any delay in a real estate closing can result in lost deals, rising costs, and frustrated buyers. Common title issues, from clerical errors to unresolved liens, can derail even the most promising transactions. Certified Title empowers real estate professionals and buyers with proactive title services, legal expertise, and robust insurance protection.

Whether you’re buying your next home or expanding your investments, Certified Title ensures the path to closing day is clear and secure. Contact us today to move forward with peace of mind.

About Certified Title Corporation: Since 1994, attorney-owned Certified Title Corporation has been furnishing residential and commercial real estate stakeholders across the nation with robust title insurance, settlement, and escrow services. Renowned for its industry-leading reliability and exemplary level of service and quality, the Maryland-based company helps clients from all walks of life achieve their asset goals. To learn more, call (888)486-5511 or visit https://www.certifiedtitlecorp.com/.