What does a title search help confirm?

A title search primarily helps confirm the historical ownership and claims to a property. This process involves examining public records to trace the chain of title, which includes all the previous owners of the property and any encumbrances such as mortgages, liens, easements, or other legal claims. Understanding this history is crucial for potential buyers or investors, as it reveals whether the seller has the legal right to sell the property and if there are any existing issues that could affect ownership.

Recognizing former owners and their interests helps establish the legitimacy of the current title, ensuring that no undisclosed claims could jeopardize future ownership or use of the property. By establishing a clear title, a title search provides peace of mind and legal security to the new owner.

In contrast, other options pertain to different aspects of property ownership and are not directly linked to the purpose of a title search. For instance, current property taxes are related to local government assessments rather than ownership history. Structural integrity examines the physical state of a building, and utility locations are more about infrastructure and services than ownership rights. Title searches focus specifically on legal rights and historical claims associated with a property.