How long does a title search take?

A title company examiner searches the records of the county recorder, county assessor, and other government taxing agencies to locate any documents which might affect the title to a given property. Depending on the number of documents the examiner must review, a title search will take anywhere from one hour to two weeks to complete. Read this search carefully and look for any hidden problems.

What are the most common ways to hold title?

Joint Tenancy: The main distinguishing characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. If one of the joint tenants dies, his interest passes automatically to the surviving party or parties instead of being tied up in lengthy probate proceedings. When two or more people own a property as joint tenants, they own an undivided equal interest in the property.

Tenancy-in-Common: This is so standard a form of ownership for unrelated buyers that it is generally presumed to be the way they hold title if nothing else appears to the contrary. The shares are presumed to be equal unless stated otherwise on the deed, and each of the tenants has equal rights of possession. There is no right of survivorship; each tenant-in-common should note in his will the person or persons to whom his share will pass.

Community Property: This type of ownership is available to married couples in nine states - Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin. Both husband and wife have an equal right to possess the property during their marriage, and in some states, upon the death of either spouse, the survivor automatically receives half of the community property and the other half passes to the lawful heirs.

Sole and Separate Property: Holding title this way means that no one else has any interest in it. If you are married and wish to take title this way, you should record a quitclaim deed from your spouse to yourself so that no community interest could be claimed at a later date (in community property states).