Buying or selling property is an important legal and financial milestone. But long before the keys are handed over, an important process has to take place: a good title search. This important step reveals any potential problems with who legally owns the property and confirms the transfer is enforceable, valid, and free of expensive surprises.
At Abstracts of McIntosh County, we are experts in meticulous title searches and abstracting services specifically tailored to fulfill the special legal requirements of McIntosh County, Oklahoma. As your trusted local resource, our goal is to safeguard your property rights and make real estate transactions as secure, accurate, and prompt as possible.
A title search is searching through public records to confirm ownership of a property as well as to locate any issues that would impact its sale or transfer. It examines deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, tax assessments, judgments, and confirmation records to determine the chain of title or ownership history.
In Oklahoma and other such states where only abstracts are used, title companies have to prepare a complete abstract of the title. A certified attorney has to examine this abstract before title insurance is issued. This means that the accuracy and detail of the title search are highly important.
A title search verifies that the seller of the property is indeed the owner and is entitled to sell it. If there is any dispute or disagreement regarding the ownership, the sale can be postponed or may not be valid at all.
Unpaid taxes, mortgages, mechanics liens, or judgments against the former owners can still be liens on the property. In a title search, you can inherit these liabilities at closing.
Forgery and document fraud are more common than you may realize. It is worth taking the time to examine closely to reveal spurious transactions, forged deeds, or duplicate signatures that can affect ownership.
A title search may reveal easements (e.g., utility access or shared driveways), restrictive covenants, or zoning issues that may impact how you may use the property.
In order to mortgage or sell a property, the title should be good, free from defect and insurable. The process of establishing that a property is good begins with a title search.
We take our work very seriously at Abstracts of McIntosh County so that no stone is left unturned. This is how a typical title search usually unfolds:
We begin by gathering all documents pertaining to the property. These are deeds, loans, court documents, probate documents, and taxes from the McIntosh County Courthouse and government offices.
In Oklahoma, a full abstract of the title shall be prepared according to the requirements of the law. This writing contains a complete history of legal title to the property and all recorded events affecting the title since patent or statehood.
After an abstract is prepared, a qualified attorney reviews it to determine if the title is valid legally or not. They review it for defects, errors, or deficiencies that must be corrected prior to transfer.
If there are any issues—lost documents, debts owed, disputed claims—they need to be resolved first before closing. Then, a title opinion is provided, and title insurance can be purchased.
Oklahoma also has its title system. Most states do a quick title report, but Oklahoma law mandates that you obtain a full abstract of the title prior to finalizing a transaction. This is why it is very crucial to have a local expert who is familiar with the regulations and land records of the state.
At Abstracts of McIntosh County, we have strong roots in McIntosh County, Oklahoma. We have experts who are familiar with the local courthouse system, the history of the law, and the property records, helping you with accurate and sound title work.
Our thorough title searches assist in identifying and resolving such problems before they become costly issues.
We’re not merely a title company—we’re your trusted partner in safe property deals. This is where we differentiate ourselves:
With years of experience in McIntosh County, we are very familiar with the quirks of our region’s legal and property systems.
We offer summaries that are equal to or superior to Oklahoma’s legal standards. Every document is reviewed twice for accuracy and comprehensiveness
We know time is of the essence in real estate. Our efficient processes and professional staff prevent delays and keep transactions moving.
We work closely with our purchasers, sellers, lenders, real estate agents, and attorneys. We’re also available to help answer any questions and walk you through the process.
Buying or selling property is not a matter of price—it’s a matter of legal certainty. A diligent title search protects your rights and your investment. Abstracts of McIntosh County prides itself on delivering the diligent research, local knowledge, and legal compliance required for a smooth property transfer.
Call us today. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer, selling your inherited property, or navigating a commercial transaction, we are here to assist you. Let Abstracts of McIntosh County make your next real estate transaction secure, accurate, and legally sound from title search to closing.