A preliminary title search identifies the property's current owner(s), and includes property tax information, voluntary and involuntary liens, lien releases, judgments, mortgages, assignments, modifications, and other encumbrances found against the property. Some preliminary reports may require a full search within a specific 'look-back' period; 20 - 40 years. Similarly, an SBA (Small Business Administration) report, which the SBA requires for certain disaster assistance funding or a collateral release, requires a 30 year look-back on the title chain. A preliminary title report typically takes
7 to 10 business days to prepare, but will vary depending on county records access, abstract complexity, and search period (date back to). Title Reports of Virginia provides
certified title abstract reports in Virginia counties, which are completed by
certified title abstractors and lists:
- current property ownership
- legal description
- recording dates
- tax information and status
- encumbrance amounts
- open and satisfied mortgages *
- assignments and modifications *
- open and satisfied liens/releases *
- open and satisfied judgments *
- other open and satisfied encumbrances *
* SBA title searches only include open (unsatisfied) encumbrances.
Prices vary based on:
- residential or commercial Virginia county parcel type
- search period
- search requirements
- customized search or reporting requests
