How do I order a residential title search in Missouri?
If you are buying, selling, refinancing, or transferring property in Missouri, one of the most important steps in the process is ordering a residential title search. Many buyers and property owners ask the same question: How do I order a residential title search in Missouri, and what exactly does it involve?
Understanding the process before you begin can prevent delays, avoid unnecessary costs, and ensure your property rights are protected. Whether you are a first time homebuyer in Kansas City, refinancing in St. Louis, or transferring property in a smaller Missouri county, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Residential Title Search
A residential title search is a detailed examination of public records to confirm the legal ownership of a property and to identify any claims, liens, encumbrances, or restrictions that could affect transfer of ownership.
During a title search in Missouri, a title examiner reviews:
The chain of ownership
Recorded deeds
Mortgages and deeds of trust
Tax records
Judgments and liens
Easements and restrictions
Court filings affecting the property
The purpose of the search is to ensure the seller has clear title and the legal right to transfer the property to the buyer.
Why a Title Search Is Necessary in Missouri
Missouri is a deed of trust state, meaning lenders secure mortgages through deeds of trust rather than traditional mortgages. This structure makes accurate title examination critical.
A title search protects you from:
Unpaid property taxes
Contractor or mechanic liens
Unreleased prior loans
Boundary disputes
Unknown heirs
Clerical recording errors
Fraudulent transfers
Without a title search, you could unknowingly purchase a property with hidden financial or legal problems.
Who Orders the Title Search
In most Missouri residential transactions, the title search is ordered by:
The buyer’s real estate agent
The buyer’s lender
The title company handling the closing
However, property owners can also order a title search directly if they are:
Refinancing
Transferring property between family members
Selling without an agent
Resolving title issues
Checking ownership history
Regardless of who initiates it, the search is typically conducted by a licensed Missouri title company.
Step by Step: How to Order a Residential Title Search in Missouri
Step 1: Choose a Missouri Title Company
The first step is selecting a reputable title company licensed to operate in Missouri. You are not required to use a specific company unless contractually agreed upon.
Look for a provider that:
Has experience in your county
Offers clear pricing
Communicates promptly
Explains the process clearly
Provides both title search and title insurance services
Local expertise is especially important because recording systems and procedures can vary between counties.
Step 2: Submit Basic Property Information
To begin the title search, the title company will need:
Property address
Legal description if available
Names of current owners
Purchase contract if applicable
Lender information if financing
Contact details for buyer and seller
Providing accurate information speeds up the process.
Step 3: Title Examination Begins
Once the order is placed, a title examiner reviews public records at the county recorder’s office. Many Missouri counties offer electronic access, which can accelerate the process.
The examiner reviews:
Ownership history
Existing mortgages or deeds of trust
Tax records
Judgments
Bankruptcy filings
Restrictions and easements
The goal is to identify any issues that must be cleared before closing.
Step 4: Receive the Title Commitment
After the search is completed, the title company issues a title commitment. This document outlines:
The current legal owner
Requirements that must be satisfied before closing
Exceptions that will not be covered by title insurance
Loan payoff requirements
Tax payment status
The commitment is reviewed by the buyer, lender, and real estate professionals before closing.
Step 5: Clear Any Title Issues
If the title search reveals problems, they must be resolved before closing. Common issues include:
Unreleased prior mortgages
Outstanding liens
Incorrect legal descriptions
Missing signatures
Judgment liens
The title company works to obtain payoff statements, releases, or corrective documents.
How Long Does a Residential Title Search Take in Missouri
In most Missouri counties, a straightforward residential title search takes between one and three business days.
However, timing depends on:
Complexity of ownership history
Availability of county records
Volume of pending transactions
Whether liens or legal issues are discovered
In urgent situations, expedited searches may be available.
How Much Does a Title Search Cost in Missouri
Title search fees vary depending on location and property complexity. In Missouri, a residential title search typically costs between 150 and 400 dollars, though the total title related closing cost may be higher once insurance and settlement fees are included.
The search fee is usually bundled into the overall closing cost estimate provided by the title company.
Can I Perform My Own Title Search
Technically, public records are accessible, and property owners can review documents themselves. However, professional title examiners are trained to:
Interpret legal descriptions
Identify chain of title breaks
Spot recording inconsistencies
Understand Missouri property law
Evaluate lien priority
Because errors can have significant financial consequences, professional examination is strongly recommended.
What Is the Difference Between a Title Search and Title Insurance
A title search identifies problems. Title insurance protects against covered issues that were not discovered or that arise from past events.
Ordering a title search alone does not provide insurance coverage. In most real estate transactions, the search leads to issuance of title insurance.
Missouri buyers typically purchase:
Lender’s title insurance if financing
Owner’s title insurance for personal protection
Both policies rely on the initial title search.
What Information Speeds Up the Process
To avoid delays when ordering a residential title search in Missouri, provide:
A copy of the signed purchase contract
Correct spelling of all names
Accurate property address
Prior title policy if available
Known lien or payoff details
Survey information if applicable
The more complete your documentation, the faster the search can proceed.
Common Title Issues Found in Missouri
While many properties have clean title histories, common issues include:
Old deeds of trust not properly released
Mechanic liens
Tax sale history
Divorce related ownership disputes
Probate transfers without proper recording
Boundary encroachments
Early discovery allows time for correction before closing.
Do I Need a Title Search for Refinancing
Yes. Even when refinancing your own property, lenders require a new title search to ensure no additional liens have attached since your original purchase.
Refinance searches are often faster because ownership history is shorter.
Ordering a Title Search for a For Sale By Owner Transaction
If you are selling without a real estate agent, you can contact a Missouri title company directly to open an order.
Be prepared to provide:
The buyer’s contact information
Purchase agreement
Existing mortgage details
Payoff lender contact information
The title company will guide both parties through the process.
Final Thoughts
If you are asking how to order a residential title search in Missouri, the process is straightforward when handled by an experienced title company. The key steps include selecting a licensed provider, submitting accurate property information, allowing time for examination, reviewing the title commitment, and clearing any identified issues before closing.
A title search is not simply paperwork. It is the foundation of a secure property transfer. Without it, hidden legal and financial risks could follow you long after closing.
Whether you are buying your first home, refinancing, or transferring property between family members, ordering a professional residential title search in Missouri protects your investment and ensures a smooth transaction.
