Doug Francis Real Estate

  • Meet Doug
  • How I Sell Your Home
  • Case Studies
  • Let’s Connect

Title Search – A Next Step after going to Contract

By Doug Francis

Title Search is Important

Having a professional Title Search is an important step that should be ordered by every home buyer quickly after they have entered into a contract to buy a home. Yes, you may see who the seller is online in the county tax records, but there are possibly more specifics out there that require a professional search.

Did you notice that I said should be ordered? (because it isn’t automatic)

In Virginia, we use Title Companies to conduct closings and, when one of my buyer clients ratifies a contract, I will send a copy of the contract to their mortgage lender and a copy to the Title Company.

In my initial conversation with the processor at the Title Company, I request they order a Title Search since the mortgage processor will also need a copy down the road.

The home buyer needs to order a title search

Virginia may be different than other states because it is a “Caveat Emptor” state, which means that it is ultimately the buyer’s responsibility to investigate all aspects of the house they plan to buy before the closing.

I have read blog posts where the writer (probably a paid writer) recommends saving $200 by doing this important research yourself. In my professional opinion, this really is a foolish way to save a little cash on a critical legal issue.

So, homebuyers need to order or ask their title company to get a title search done quickly just to make sure there isn’t an issue that could delay their ability to close on their dream house.

Family members, trusts, and liens

A friend recently shared her real estate story with me when I was on vacation… describing the story of buying a piece of land to build a summer home. As it turned out, the seller wasn’t truly authorized to sell them the property, a fact they discovered 10-months into the transaction after they hired a lawyer.

Immediately all I could think of asking about was their title search.

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a buyer agent on their side to ask for a title search early on since they assumed one had already been done by the friendly seller’s agent. Ugh!

A few years ago, a title search showed that all of the adult children needed to sign the sales contract and one of the brothers, who lived out of state wasn’t being cooperative. Ugh again… because sibling rivalries never end!

But the most common title problem I used to see were unrecorded Certificates of Satisfaction, these important documents are issued when sellers have refinanced their mortgages showing the old mortgage is “Satisfied”.

This hasn’t been a problem for a while, but I’m sure many missing CS documents are lurking in county records right now.

Mortgage lenders don’t want to see Titles with cloudy problems

If you are getting a mortgage, you should know that mortgage underwriters will want to see there is a “clean” title. They will want to see the title report or Title Binder showing that it is insurable, protecting them from future issues.

The contract that I use here in Vienna real estate sales is created by the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. It is important to note that it allows sellers to delay the closing up to 10 days to clear up a title problem, but it does not give buyers any protection if their mortgage lock is expiring because of this preventable delay!

In reality, no one wants to see a problem that may delay a closing.

If you are a home buyer who just ratified a sales contract, then contact your Title Company today and have them complete a full title search right away.

Filed Under: Blog, Home Buyer Tips Tagged With: Home Buyer Tips, Vienna Real Estate

About Doug Francis

A seasoned Realtor specializing in unique and new homes around Vienna, Virginia, Doug has seen consumer behavior, negotiations and communication styles change. At his original brokerage, he was the first agent to add an email address. Imagine! Outside real estate, he plays tennis, is a Washington Capitals fan, spends time with Skipper (his dog), and enjoys the restaurant scene in the DCA. He's a Boston University graduate who feels morning coffee is non-negotiable.

Vienna real estate agent Doug Francis

When we bought our house in Vienna, we were thinking about raising the kids, building an addition, and knowing the neighbors. Today, home buyers are attracted to Vienna because of the sense of community, walkability, and small town lifestyle.

So, what’s next after your 25 years? It’s a conversation many of my clients are having with me as they plan to move to the beach, travel, or get closer to grandkids. Helping them see their future, sell their current home, and move ahead with their updated plan has been an interesting new chapter.

My background: I am an active licensed agent in Virginia, have negotiated hundreds of sales contracts, work at TTR Sotheby’s International Realty in McLean, and still sell homes in all price ranges. I donate to the Town of Vienna tree replacement fund, participate in a neighborhood citizens association, and try my best to stay in shape.

Let’s discuss your moving plans: Email doug@dougfrancis.com or call me at (703) 304-6827 .  Cheers!

Considering selling your home?

https://youtu.be/0ZSodCtsfkY

Just Sold!

Plum Street home with swimming pool

Looking for a house with a pool in Vienna, VA?

Sold!

https://vimeo.com/1003798838?loop=0

Planning to sell your home?

Case Studies

Continue Reading

Have a question?

Homeowners: Add a level of privacy

name withheld by request

Privacy: Hiding your name

Looking for testimonials?

Read through a collection of client comments originally posted on Zillow, Google and Trulia. See what my clients say...

Looking for a Custom Home?

Insights into New Homes in Vienna VA
Staged kitchen for real estate marketing

Here’s my home seller checklist… imagine you’re Getting Ready to Sell

Getting started is the hardest part for many clients. My Vienna home seller checklist will help you get the ball rolling today.

“Doug nailed it! Within days, we had three offers, one of which not only met, but far exceeded all of our goals.”
– R. Pollard

“He truly was a partner integrating us unto the community and made it easy for us to take advantage of all Vienna has to offer.”
– A. D’Eredita

“We are so thankful we found Doug to guide us through the complex home selling and buying processes!”
– Scott and Jennie

About Doug Francis

I am a Realtor with TTR Sotheby's International Realty® just outside Washington D.C. in Northern Virginia. I'm licensed in Virginia with a focus on Vienna, VA real estate since 1991.

That deep knowledge is valuable, especially in today's fast-paced market where advice is critical. Although many of my clients are personally referred, I am available to help you too and am accepting new clients right now.

Feel free to contact me at 703-304-6827 or email me at doug@dougfrancis.com anytime!

Search for a subject

Contact

Doug: (703) 304-6827

TTR Sotheby's International Realty
6723 Whittier Avenue McLean, VA 22101

Office: 703-319-3344
Why do people hire me?

Search for homes in Vienna

Vienna Real Estate Guide

This material can only be used with written permission.

Equal Housing Opportunity

 

Copyright © 2025 Doug Francis · Minimum Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in