Why might a buyer be concerned about a cloud on title?

A cloud on title is a term used to describe any claim, lien, or encumbrance that may affect the ownership of a property. Buyers often express concern about clouds on title because they can suggest the possibility of ownership disputes. This means there might be conflicting claims regarding who the rightful owner is, which can create significant legal complications. Such disputes can lead to delays in the sale process, potential litigation, and could ultimately affect the buyer's ability to obtain clear ownership of the property.

Other options may touch on related issues but don’t directly address the core concern of ownership disputes stemming from a cloud on title. For instance, while higher closing costs might occur in some situations, it’s not the primary concern associated with a cloud on title. Similarly, loan approval difficulties may arise from various factors unrelated to title clouds, and the statement about preventing the sale of the property misses the essential point focused on ownership rights. Overall, the worry about ownership disputes encapsulates the essence of why buyers should be vigilant regarding any clouds on title.