What Is a Title Search in New Hampshire Real Estate?

🏡 What Is a Title Search in New Hampshire Real Estate?

When buying a home in Plymouth, Campton, Rumney, Thornton, or anywhere in Central NH, one of the most important parts of the closing process is the title search.

A title search protects buyers (and lenders) from legal issues tied to the property — and skipping it can lead to major, expensive complications later.

Here’s everything you need to know.

⭐

What Is a Title Search?

A title search is a detailed review of public records to confirm:

Who legally owns the property

Whether any liens or debts exist

If there are recorded easements or rights-of-way

Any restrictions, covenants, or encumbrances

Whether past transfers were done correctly

A title company or real estate attorney completes this process before closing.

⭐

Why Title Searches Matter in New Hampshire

In NH, title searches commonly uncover issues such as:

✔ Unpaid property taxes

✔ Mechanic’s liens from past contractors

✔ Boundary line disputes

✔ Unknown easements

✔ Probate issues

✔ Clerical errors in prior deeds

✔ Missing mortgage discharges

Any of these can delay closing — or block a sale entirely.

⭐

What Happens If a Title Issue Is Found?

Depending on the issue:

The seller may need to resolve outstanding liens

Attorneys may need to correct deed errors

Probate court may need to finalize an estate

Easements may need clarification or legal documentation

Missing mortgage discharges may need recording

The goal is to deliver clear, marketable title to the buyer at closing.

⭐

Do You Need Title Insurance?

Yes — lenders require it.

And many NH buyers choose owner’s title insurance for extra protection because it:

✔ Covers unknown issues that appear after closing

✔ Protects against forged documents

✔ Covers undiscovered liens

✔ Protects heirs

✔ Covers boundary or survey mistakes

Title insurance is a one-time fee and can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars.

⭐

Q&A

Q: Can a buyer close without a title search?

A: Technically yes — but it’s extremely risky and almost never recommended.

Q: How long does a title search take in NH?

A: Typically 3–10 days, depending on record complexity and town office speed.

Keywords

nh title search, new hampshire real estate closing, plymouth nh home buying, campton nh title company, thornton nh real estate process, rumney nh property liens, central nh title insurance

Jim Johnson — Real Estate Agent

58 NH Route 25A

Wentworth, NH 03282

P: (857) 249-7392

W: www.JimJohnsonRealEstateAgent.com

Licensed New Hampshire REALTOR® with Three Hills Real Estate Services

Broker Email: info@ThreeHillsRES.com

Broker Website: www.ThreeHillsRES.com