Title issues killing deals at the last minute — how do you catch them early?

Derrick, I now order a preliminary title search (not the full commitment, just the search) within the first week of every deal. Most title companies will do it for $150-200 and it catches 90% of issues before anyone wastes time. The full commitment comes later but the preliminary gives you the big picture fast.

We (Westside Capital) actually require a preliminary title search as part of our initial submission package now. Learned this the hard way after too many late-stage title surprises. It's become standard for us.

mechanic's liens are the worst because they can be filed after the fact. i always ask borrowers directly: "have you had any work done on this property in the last 12 months that hasn't been paid for?" gets them thinking

I've been doing this 18 years. Title issues are the #1 deal killer nobody talks about. Preliminary title search, always. It's the cheapest insurance you can buy.

Jennifer and Amy — both great points. Adding preliminary title search to my standard process immediately. Tyler — that question is brilliant, adding it to my borrower intake form.