Price of a title search?

[Christina G.]

Hi all. Newbie q about title searches.

I just spoke with an overbearing realtor who told me 10 times that I can't buy a home from a bank for just what is owed on it. He also said there is no way to know about other liens against the property, and that a title search alone would be $900.

This sounds so wrong, 3 ways. A title search I thought would be like $100 to $150. 

A title search WOULD reveal liens against the property, wouldn't it? 

A bank CAN profit from the home sale? This seems wrong.

Can you tell me if he's right or wrong on these counts?

Thanks!

Christina