What Is Title Clearing & Underwriting?

What Is Title Clearing & Underwriting in Real Estate?

When you buy or sell property in Arizona, one of the most important — and often overlooked — steps is title clearing and underwriting. Without a clean title, the transaction cannot close.

At Arizona Premier Title, we specialize in making sure your property’s title is free from legal issues so you can move forward with confidence.

Step 1: Title Search

The process begins with a title search — a detailed review of public records to uncover:

  • Current ownership history

  • Unpaid liens or taxes

  • Judgments against the property

  • Boundary or easement disputes

  • Clerical errors in previous deeds

This search helps us identify any potential obstacles that must be addressed before closing.

Step 2: Title Clearing

If the title search reveals problems — often called “clouds on title” — we work to clear them.
This can include:

  • Removing Liens – Paying off or resolving unpaid debts tied to the property.

  • Verifying Signatures – Ensuring all past ownership transfers were signed correctly and legally.

  • Quieting Claims – Legally settling disputes over ownership or property rights.

  • Correcting Errors – Fixing mistakes in recorded documents.

Until these issues are resolved, the property cannot be transferred with clear title — which means no clean title = no sale.

Step 3: Title Underwriting

Once the title is cleared, our underwriters review all findings and documentation to determine whether they can issue a title insurance policy.
They consider:

  • Risk factors in the property’s history

  • The thoroughness of the title clearing process

  • Compliance with Arizona title insurance regulations

If approved, they authorize the issuance of title insurance — protecting both the buyer and lender from future claims.

Why This Matters for Your Closing

  • For Buyers – You avoid buying a property that could have costly legal problems.

  • For Sellers – You can transfer ownership without delays or disputes.

  • For Lenders – They get assurance that their investment is protected.

The Bottom Line

Title clearing and underwriting are the backbone of a safe real estate transaction. They ensure that ownership is legitimate, uncontested, and insurable before money and property change hands.

At Arizona Premier Title, we don’t just process paperwork — we protect your investment. From uncovering potential title issues to issuing your final title policy, we guide you every step of the way.