How to Ensure a Clear Title Before Selling Your Home

One of the most important — yet often overlooked — steps in selling a home is making sure you have a clear title. Without it, your sale could be delayed or even fall through.

At Arizona Premier Title, we help sellers prepare their title documents in advance so they can close smoothly and on time.

Why a Clear Title Matters

A clear title means there are no outstanding claims, liens, disputes, or ownership issues tied to your property. Without it, you can’t legally transfer ownership to the buyer — and lenders won’t finance the purchase.

Step 1: Order a Preliminary Title Report

Before you list your home, ask your title company to run a preliminary title report (sometimes called a pre‑listing title search). This report will identify:

Any liens or unpaid debts tied to your property.
Ownership inconsistencies (such as missing signatures or name discrepancies).
Easements or restrictions that affect your property rights.

Step 2: Resolve Liens and Debts

Common liens that must be cleared include:

Unpaid property taxes.
HOA fees or assessments.
Mechanic’s liens from contractors.
Court judgments.

Clearing these debts early prevents last‑minute problems during escrow.

Step 3: Settle Disputes and Ownership Issues

Resolve boundary disputes or easement questions with neighbors.
Ensure all owners listed on the deed agree to the sale and can legally sign closing documents.
Correct any clerical errors in public records.

The Benefits of Preparing Early

Faster Closings – No scrambling to resolve issues mid‑escrow.
Stronger Buyer Confidence – Buyers feel secure knowing the title is already clear.
Reduced Stress – Everything is handled before negotiations get serious.

The Bottom Line

Ensuring a clear title before selling isn’t just good practice — it’s essential for a smooth, successful closing. By ordering a preliminary title report and resolving any issues in advance, you’ll save time, money, and protect your deal from falling apart.

At Arizona Premier Title, we make this process simple and proactive — so you can focus on selling your home, not fighting last‑minute title issues.

How to Ensure a Clear Title Before Selling