Most real estate deals fall apart long before closing day—and the reason is almost always title. While investors focus on inspections, financing, and appraisals, the biggest threats hide inside the title report. Understanding these risks helps you protect your deals, close faster, and avoid expensive delays.

1. Unreleased or Hidden Liens

Liens are the #1 title-related deal killer.
These include:

Old mortgages
Home equity lines
Mechanics liens
Judgments
Tax liens

Even if a lien was paid off years ago, if it wasn’t properly recorded, it still exists on title.
This blocks funding and delays closing.

2. Ownership Disputes

If the seller doesn’t legally own 100% of the property, you can’t buy it.
Common issues include:

Missing heirs
Ex-spouses still on title
Probate not completed
Incorrect deed transfers
Unknown co-owners

These situations require legal cleanup and can add weeks—or months.

3. Fraudulent or Incorrect Deeds

A deed with the wrong name, wrong legal description, or forged signature will stop your closing instantly.
Even small inconsistencies create legal doubt lenders won’t touch.

4. Municipal Violations & Unpaid Balances

Unpaid property taxes, water bills, sewer charges, and HOA dues follow the property—not the owner.
Lenders require these to be cleared before funding.

5. Survey & Boundary Issues

Surveys reveal problems you can’t see on paper:

Encroachments
Shared driveways
Fences on the wrong lot
Easement complications

If boundaries don’t match the legal description, the deal pauses immediately.

Conclusion

Title isn’t “paperwork.” It’s the legal backbone of your transaction.
When title is clean, lenders move fast.
When title is messy, deals die.

Smart investors run title early, solve problems fast, and prevent surprises.

: Want Smoother Closings & Fewer Surprises?

If you need help reviewing title, preparing clean files, or structuring deals for fast approvals, reach out today.
We help investors close with confidence and avoid title nightmares before

:WhatsApp: +1 448-230-7488
Email: annie@insightflending.com

Title Issues That Kill Deals