The legal right to own, use, and dispose of a property is called title. Clear title means ownership is free of significant competing claims. Clouded title carries unresolved liens, disputes, or defects.

Title is transferred by deed and evidenced by public records. A chain of title traces ownership history. Title searches examine that history for gaps, liens, or irregularities. Title insurance protects buyers and lenders against covered defects that a search might miss.

Marketable title is required for most sales and loans. Curing title problems can involve releases, quiet-title actions, or other legal steps. Understanding title status is fundamental before purchasing or lending against real estate.

You can possess a property, yet without clear title your ownership remains vulnerable.