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Title · CT · MA
A title search is a background check on the property itself.
Before you own a home, we work to confirm no one else has a claim on it. The search surfaces problems; insurance helps cover the rest.
Five things a CT title search surfaces.
After your contract is signed, we order a title search: a review of public records covering at least forty years of the chain of title, the Connecticut standard. Here is what it is built to find.
01
Must clear first
Liens
Tax, mechanic’s, and judgment debts attached to the property. These generally need to clear before ownership transfers to you.
02
More common than you’d think
Unreleased mortgages
A prior loan paid off but never formally released in the land records. It happens more than you’d expect.
03
Know before you buy
Easements & encroachments
Someone else’s right to use part of the land, or a structure that crosses a boundary. Worth knowing before you buy.
04
Breaks the chain
Boundary & ownership gaps
Breaks in the chain of ownership, like a missing deed or an unclear transfer, that need to be addressed.
05
Follows the property, not the seller
Unpaid HOA assessments
Unpaid association assessments become a statutory lien on the unit, which is why we obtain a statement of account before closing.
Owner’s vs. lender’s title insurance: two policies, two different jobs.
Want the premium for your purchase price and loan? The title insurance calculator prices both policies. The search catches most problems. Title insurance is the safety net for the ones that hide. There are two kinds, and they protect different people.
Owner's policy
Protects you.
What it does for you:
- Covers up to the policy amount, subject to exceptions and exclusions
- Stays in force as long as you own it
- One-time premium, paid once at closing
- Optional in CT, but it carries the real risk
Lender's policy
Protects the bank.
What it means for you:
- Covers the lender's interest, not yours
- Almost always required with a mortgage
- Based on the loan amount
- Does nothing for your equity
The search surfaces problems. Insurance helps cover the rest.Two policies, two jobs · Mancuso Carey
Title questions.
The four buyers ask most. If yours isn't here, just ask.
What does a Connecticut title search cover?
It examines the chain of ownership for liens, unreleased mortgages, easements, boundary gaps, and unpaid HOA fees. The full guide.
What's the difference between a lender's policy and an owner's policy?
A lender's policy protects the bank and is almost always required with a mortgage; it does not cover you. An owner's policy protects you up to the policy amount for covered title defects, subject to exceptions and exclusions, and lasts as long as you own the home.
What does title insurance cost?
A one-time premium paid at closing, based on the purchase price. No monthly, annual, or renewal fees. You pay once, and coverage lasts as long as you hold title.
What happens if the title search finds a problem?
Most are fixable before closing: a lien paid off, an old mortgage released, a deed corrected. More on title insurance.
This is general information, not legal advice. Every situation is different. Reach out to discuss yours.
The firm, in figures
Connecticut closings
10,000+
Years serving CT
15+
CT offices statewide
4
Google review rating
4.8
What our clients say
Reviews from CT buyers
Reviews from CT buyers
and sellers.
“Outstanding attorneys who combine deep legal expertise with genuine care for their clients.”Dov V. · Google review
“Everyone was very kind and friendly. Super helpful and accommodating.”Jalaisy A. · Google review
Questions about title?
Whether you're buying, selling, or refinancing, we run the title work and explain what it turns up in plain English. Reach out anytime.
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