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When buying property in Tarrant County, Texas, thoroughly reviewing the title is essential. A clean title establishes ownership, avoids unwelcome surprises, and protects your investment.
Understanding Title Basics in Tarrant County
- Chain of Title & Historical Records
A title search traces ownership from the original grant through each recorded deed, mortgage, lien, or encumbrance. In Tarrant County, records are maintained by the County Clerk’s Office. - Legal Description
A property deed must include a precise legal description to define boundaries clearly. This typically appears on plats or subdivision record.
Common Issues That Cloud Title
- Liens & Judgments
Look for unpaid property tax liens, mechanic's liens (e.g. for construction), homeowner association liens, child support or judgment liens, and federal tax liens. These will show up in recorded records and must be cleared before closing. - Cloud on Title
A “cloud” refers to any claim, recorded or unrecorded, that could impair ownership—e.g. misspelled name on a deed, improperly recorded easement, or lingering mortgage balance. Title issues like these raise doubts about legal ownership. - Probate/Gaps in Ownership
If property passed via probate, be sure all heirs and court orders are properly documented. Missing or inconsistent papers can create legal exposure or complications later. - Fraud & Title Pirates
Title fraud occurs when scammers file fake ownership documents. These cases are rising and disproportionately affect absentee or elderly property owners.
Title Search & Title Insurance
- Professional Title Search
Hire a title company or real estate attorney to conduct a full-coverage title search. This involves examining grantor/grantee indexes as well as documents for liens, easements, covenants, restrictions or pending litigation (lis pendens). - Abstract of Title
A consolidated summary of all official recorded documents affecting the property’s chain of title. This document is central to building a title insurance policy. - Title Insurance
Your lender will require lender’s title insurance, but you should also strongly consider purchasing owner’s title insurance. This offers personal protection if an undiscovered title defect or fraud emerges after closing
Local Tarrant County Considerations
- Online Public Records Access
You can search the County Clerk’s Official Records system by name, address, or document number. It’s free and often updated in near real time. - Recording Fees & Process
Recording a deed or other documents costs roughly $20 for the first page and $4 for each additional page (as of 2024). Documents need original signatures, certified headings, legal descriptions, and return address info. - Notice & Recording Statutes
Texas follows a notice recording system, meaning unrecorded interests may still be binding. Recording promptly provides legal protection under Texas law
Assessing a property title in Tarrant County, Texas means diving into public records, evaluating chains of ownership, uncovering any clouds or encumbrances, and securing both legal clarity and title insurance.
Need help with due diligence and ownership reports? Abstract Authority is here to help.