What does a Certificate of Title confirm?

A Certificate of Title serves a specific and crucial function in real estate transactions. It confirms the legal ownership of the property, providing a formal declaration that a specific individual or entity has the legal right to the property in question. This document is essential because it indicates that the title has been examined, and that the current owner possesses the right to sell the property, free from claims or liens from other parties.

While other documents and assessments play important roles in the broader context of property ownership—such as appraisals determining value, financing terms outlining mortgage conditions, and the quality of the property being assessed through inspections—none of these provide the confirmation of legal ownership. Thus, the Certificate of Title is uniquely valuable for proving who the rightful owner is, which is fundamental in any real estate transaction.