Buying from auction. Where to do title check.

[Miguel Ochoa]

hello BP

 I have gone to a few auction here around the eastbay CA. I am wondering what is the best way to do a property title check? 9s there a website? I want to make sure there is no leans on the property. 

[Evan Wiesner]

The easiest way is to call around to title companies and ask what type of pre-foreclosure lien reports they have available. I can't speak to the costs in your area but $80-$150 isn't out of the ordinary.

The best way is to educate yourself on the title process and laws and then head down to the recorders department and do the search yourself. You can also ask if they have a website for public access and if they do you'll be able to do the searches from your home computer, but expect a fee for access to that as well. Try to speak with a title officer about the laws in your state for what can/can't survive a foreclosure and what nuances can influence that. It's not as cut and dry as most investors think.