Buying a home is an exciting journey, but it also comes with some essential steps to ensure you’re protected. One of the most crucial—and often overlooked—steps is the title opinion.

In Iowa, we’re unique, using property abstracts to trace ownership back decades. The abstract itself is like a historical booklet on your property, from any liens that might be on it, to quirks in ownership.

Each time a property changes hands, this abstract must be updated, which adds to the title opinion process.

Here’s why it’s vital: The title opinion protects you from any hidden debts or liens left behind by previous owners.

Imagine buying a home, only to discover later that the previous owner had unpaid bills, like a new furnace they couldn’t pay for or overdue child support—debts you certainly don’t want to inherit!

That’s why a title attorney steps in, verifying that the property is free and clear, so you can buy with confidence.