How to Read the Preliminary Title Report

Are you buying a home? Always read the preliminary title report!

Are you in the process of buying a property and feeling overwhelmed by all the paperwork? Don't fret because understanding preliminary title reports doesn't have to be a mystery. In this step-by-step guide, we will unravel the secrets behind preliminary title reports, helping you navigate the intricate world of real estate transactions with confidence.

A preliminary title report is a crucial document that provides valuable information about the property's ownership history, potential liens, and easements. By examining this report, you can ensure a smooth and secure property purchase. But decoding the language and terms used in these reports can be intimidating. That's where our guide comes in.

We will break down each important section of the preliminary title report, explaining what it means and how it impacts the buying process. From understanding property descriptions and legal descriptions to identifying exceptions and requirements, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions.

Let us demystify preliminary title reports and give you the tools you need to navigate the real estate world like a pro. Get ready to unlock the secrets and take control of your property purchase journey.

The preliminary title report is where you will find how much money the seller has borrowed on the property, what the title company won’t insure, and what easements go against (and with) the property. You can even see if anyone has done an Ellis Act Eviction on the property by reading the preliminary title report. These are all very important things to know and they can get swept under the rug in the chaos of buying a home. If you are in escrow right now and you are wondering if you should read the preliminary title report, yes, read it right now! If you see anything that raises an eyebrow, or two, speak with an attorney, it could save you from being stuck in a situation that can be quite unpleasant. This article is intended to send you in the right direction, make it clear that the preliminary title report is a very important document, and impress upon you that it must be read. I am not an attorney, and I do not intend to give legal advice in any way, shape, or form.

These are some things to look for:

1. Owner’s Name

Are all the sellers’ names and signatures on the purchase contract the same as in the title report? Every seller on the title report must agree to the sale by signing any and all escrow documents including the purchase contract. Imagine a husband and wife are on the preliminary title report but only the husband’s name is on the purchase contract. Both signatures must be on the purchase contract in order to close escrow.

2. Type of Estate or Interest

This is very important for starting to understand what property rights are being sold. This information is on the same page as the owner’s name.

3. Exceptions

These are described as property taxes, current taxes, supplemental taxes, liens, including a description of what has been borrowed against the property, delinquent taxes, etc. The point is this is the section of the preliminary title report where you begin to get a sense of what is owed on the property.

4. Notes

This is where you can begin to understand if there are any easements either to the benefit or against the subject property. For instance, the subject property may have a driveway that crosses over a piece of the neighbor's property , allowing access to the street. Then again, the neighbor might have an easement to walk along the side of the subject property to get to his/her backyard. The point is there are many types of easements, and this is where you can find them. If there is even a wisp of a question, it is important to ask the title officer to know what you are buying!

5. Plat Map

The plat map is a drawing showing the position of the lot, the lot size, the possible location of easements, etc.

6. Legal Description

This is where the geographical location of a parcel of land is identified by the lot and block number method or by the metes and bounds method.

In this case, the Lot and Block method is used:

Tips When Reading a Preliminary Title Report

Banks review the 24-month chain of title.
Property that is resold in 90 days or less by the seller from the time of their acquisition is not eligible for FHA financing. Conventional loans are generally OK but will be subject to scrutiny when the appraisal is reviewed.
Properties resold between 91-180 days are eligible for FHA but will require a 2nd appraisal if the price is above 100% of the price paid by the seller. Invoices may also be required to justify the increase in value.
Abatements should be reviewed cautiously as some may take time to clear. More often than not, it will take much longer than a 30-day escrow would allow.
Multiple sellers may hold up closing as some are not readily available; make sure escrow has all contact information for setting up signing appointments.
If the seller is a corporation, partnership, or LLC, then the authorized signers of these entities must be verified.

Thinking about buying or selling in San Francisco?

Get in touch!

Oliver Burgelman

415.244.5846 | [email protected]