Study Before You Buy!
When buying or selling property, one of the most important—but often overlooked—parts of the transaction is the Michigan real estate title process. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned investor, understanding how title work protects your ownership rights is essential to a smooth and secure closing.
A Livonia real estate lawyer can help to guide you through this process.
What Is the Title Process in Michigan?
In simple terms, the title process ensures that the person selling a property has the legal right to do so—and that the buyer will receive clear ownership without legal surprises down the road.
The title process includes:
- Title Search
- Title Examination
- Title Insurance
- Clearing Title Issues
- Final Title Commitment
Each step plays a vital role in protecting both buyers and lenders.
Title Search: Checking the Property’s Legal History
A title search is the first step in the Michigan real estate title process. This involves reviewing public records to verify the current owner and uncover any potential issues, such as:
- Liens
- Back taxes
- Easements
- Judgments
- Unreleased mortgages
A clean title search means the property is free of legal baggage. If anything questionable appears, it must be resolved before closing.
Title Examination: Legal Review of the Results
A Livonia real estate lawyer can play a key role in this step. While title companies run the search, an attorney can explain the results in plain English—and identify risks others might miss.
This legal review often catches:
- Errors in public records
- Missing or forged signatures
- Unresolved boundary disputes
You deserve to know exactly what you’re buying.
Title Insurance: Protection for You and Your Lender
Even the most thorough title search can’t uncover everything. That’s why title insurance is crucial. There are two types:
- Owner’s Title Insurance: Protects you from future claims against the property.
- Lender’s Title Insurance: Required by most mortgage lenders.
In Michigan, the buyer typically chooses the title company—but your real estate attorney can help you select one that’s reputable and thorough.
Clearing Title Defects Before Closing
If any issues arise—like a lien, an unpaid tax bill, or a disputed ownership interest—they must be cleared before the deal can close. This can take time and negotiation, especially if heirs, ex-spouses, or creditors are involved.
A Livonia real estate lawyer can work directly with title companies, sellers, and other parties to resolve these issues efficiently and protect your interests.
The Title Commitment and Final Closing
Once the title is clear, the title company issues a title commitment. This document outlines the terms of title insurance and confirms that the property is ready for transfer.
At closing, the deed is officially recorded with the county, and title passes to the buyer. From that point forward, your title insurance policy goes into effect.
Why You Should Work With a Livonia Real Estate Lawyer
While a title company facilitates the process, only a licensed attorney can offer legal advice. That matters when you’re facing:
- Title disputes
- Probate-related sales
- Complex deed restrictions
- For-sale-by-owner (FSBO) transactions
A Livonia real estate lawyer can help you understand the fine print and protect your investment—before problems arise.
The Michigan real estate title process is one of the most important safeguards in any property transaction. It ensures that you don’t just pay for a property—you actually own it, free and clear.