Performing a title search is an essential step when purchasing or dealing with a property. It helps you understand the ownership history, any existing liens, mortgages, or judgments, and ensures a smooth and secure transaction. In this article, we will walk you through the process of performing a title search in Miami-Dade County using the county’s property appraiser’s website and online official records.
Step 1: Access the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser’s Website
To start your title search, visit the official website of the Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser. In most counties, including Miami-Dade County, anyone can perform a title search using this website. Once you’re on the website, locate the search function or search bar.
Step 2: Enter the Property Address
In the search bar, enter the address of the property you want to perform a title search on. For this example, let’s use the address “101 East Deleto Drive.” Hit enter or click the search button to proceed.
Step 3: Identify the Current Owner
After submitting the property address, the website will display information about the property, including the owner’s name. In our example, we can see that the owner of the property is Richard Krieger. Take note of the owner’s name as it will be important for future steps.
Step 4: Access the County’s Official Records Website
To gather more detailed information about the property, you will need to access the county’s official records website. This website contains a comprehensive database of recorded documents related to properties within the county. Locate the official records website for Miami-Dade County and navigate to their search function.
Step 5: Search for the Owner’s Name
Once you’re on the official records website, search for the owner’s name, which in our example is Richard Krieger. The search results will display all the related documents involving this individual. You’ll be able to access deeds, mortgages, liens, and other pertinent information.
Step 6: Trace the Ownership History
If you want to trace the property’s ownership history further back in time, you need to review the deeds. Deeds contain information about who sold the property to the current owner. By examining the details of each deed, you can unravel the chain of ownership. In our example, we can see that Marie Bullos Acra sold the property to Mr. Krieger. Make a note of her name for the next step.
Step 7: Search for Previous Owners
To search for previous owners, access the official record search menu again on the county’s website. This time, input the name of the grantor, in this case, Marie Bullos Acra. By searching for each previous owner, you can continue tracing the property’s history.
Step 8: Consult a Title Professional for Detailed Reports
While the steps above will give you valuable information about the property, it’s important to note that some properties can be heavily encumbered with various liens and encumbrances. To understand the full extent of these encumbrances and their implications, it’s advisable to consult a title professional. They have the expertise to identify any potential issues and provide detailed reports.
Step 9: Engage Florida Title Firm for Comprehensive Title Searches
If you’re dealing with properties in Florida, including Miami-Dade County, Florida Title Firm can assist you with comprehensive title searches. They have a team of experts who specialize in examining property titles and ensuring a smooth transaction. To request an ownership and encumbrance report, visit their website at www.floridatitlefirm.com.
Conclusion
Performing a title search is an essential step to ensure a secure and informed transaction when dealing with a property. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily perform a title search in Miami-Dade County using the county’s property appraiser’s website and online official records. Remember, if you encounter any complex issues or require detailed reports, it’s always wise to seek the assistance of a professional title company like Florida Title Firm.