Buying or selling property isn’t just about finding the right home or signing the deal—it’s about making sure the ownership is clear, legal, and protected. That’s where title issues can become a real headache.
If you’ve run into unexpected problems with a property title, you might be wondering: Can a real estate attorney help?
The short answer is yes—and in many cases, they’re your best option for solving complex title issues quickly and legally.
In this article, we’ll explain what title problems are, why they matter, and how a real estate attorney can step in to help.
What Is a Property Title?
A property title is the legal document that shows who owns a piece of real estate. When you buy a home or land, the title is transferred from the seller to you. It must be clean and clear to legally complete the transaction.
Title issues happen when something—like a legal error, dispute, or unknown claim—stands in the way of clear ownership.
Common Title Problems That Can Delay (or Kill) a Sale
Here are some of the most common title issues that can come up during a real estate deal:
- Unknown liens (unpaid debts attached to the property)
- Errors in public records
- Disputes over property boundaries
- Missing heirs or unclear inheritance claims
- Fraud or forgery in past ownership transfers
- Unreleased mortgages
- Unknown easements or restrictions
- Title chain gaps (missing ownership links over time)
Any of these issues can put a deal on hold—or make a sale impossible—until they’re resolved.
How a Real Estate Attorney Can Help
1. Review and Explain the Title Report
Real estate attorneys are trained to read title reports and identify potential red flags. They can help you understand:
- What a specific title issue means
- How serious it is
- Whether it can be resolved—and how
- What steps to take next
This gives you clarity and confidence moving forward.
2. Clear Title Defects
If a title issue is found, a real estate attorney can take legal steps to clear it. This might include:
- Filing legal documents to correct public record errors
- Contacting creditors to resolve or release liens
- Working with courts on probate or inheritance issues
- Negotiating with third parties to release claims
- Filing a quiet title action to remove disputes over ownership
They know the legal channels to fix problems that most title companies or real estate agents can’t handle on their own.
3. Handle Complex or Inherited Property
If you’re buying or selling a family property, dealing with estates, or working with co-owners, things can get complicated fast. A real estate attorney can help navigate:
- Probate court requirements
- Partition actions if co-owners disagree
- Missing or contested wills
- Transfers involving trusts or power of attorney
They ensure everything is done legally and that you’re protected.
4. Protect You from Liability
If you go through with a sale that has title issues, you could face future lawsuits or financial loss. A real estate attorney helps you:
- Avoid risky decisions
- Negotiate repairs, credits, or price reductions
- Delay or cancel a sale if needed
- Understand the impact on your investment
This means fewer surprises and less stress.
5. Coordinate with Title Companies and Lenders
In many cases, your attorney will work closely with the title company and lender to coordinate a resolution. This ensures the issue is handled efficiently so closing can move forward.
When Should You Call a Real Estate Attorney?
You should speak with a real estate attorney if:
- A title issue shows up in your report
- You’re buying an older property with a long ownership history
- The property is part of a trust or estate
- You’re unsure about liens, easements, or ownership rights
- You feel pressured to close before the issue is fully resolved
It’s always better to get legal advice before signing anything.
Final Thoughts
Title issues can be frustrating—but they’re not the end of the road. A qualified real estate attorney can help identify the problem, explain your options, and take action to clear the title legally.
Whether you’re buying your first home, selling an inherited property, or investing in commercial real estate, don’t leave ownership to chance. Talk to a real estate attorney to protect your deal—and your future.
