What are recording fees typically charged for?

Recording fees are specifically associated with the process of officially documenting a mortgage or deed of trust in the public records. This step is crucial because it establishes the legal claim to the property and makes the mortgage information available to the public. When a mortgage or deed of trust is recorded, it helps protect the lender's interest by ensuring that their claim is recognized and prioritized in the event of any future disputes or issues regarding property ownership.

This differs from the other options, which do not involve the act of recording legal documents. Issuing a mortgage preapproval involves assessing a borrower’s financial situation to determine how much they can borrow, which doesn’t require public recording. Conducting an appraisal is focused on determining the value of a property and is usually a concern for the lender to evaluate the collateral but is not related to recording fees. Lastly, providing a title search is about confirming the legal status of the property and ensuring there are no claims against it, which again does not involve recording fees.