Miss this step, and a buyer can close on a property only to learn later that someone else has a legal claim to it, an old mortgage was never released, or a utility easement limits how the land can be used. A title search is a review of public records to confirm who legally owns real estate and to uncover problems tied to the property's title. It usually looks for deeds, mortgages, tax liens, court judgments, boundary issues, easements, and other recorded documents that could affect ownership.

In practice, a title search helps buyers, sellers, and lenders spot trouble before money changes hands. If the search turns up a defect - sometimes called a cloud on title - the parties may need to fix it before closing. That could mean paying off a lien, correcting a filing error, or resolving a dispute over ownership. In Wisconsin, these records are often found through the county Register of Deeds and court records. A clean search is also part of why lenders usually require title insurance.

For an injury claim, title issues can matter more than people expect. Real estate may be used as collateral, sold to cover damages, or tied up in probate or divorce while a claim is pending. If someone is counting on a property sale to pay medical bills or fund a settlement, a hidden title problem can delay everything and change the leverage in a settlement negotiation.