The exact Property Information
Make sure you have:
- Property address
- Block and Lot number
- County
- Municipality
Type of Title Search You Need
Title companies offer different searches.
Full Title Search
Best when:
- Buying property
- Quiet title cases
- Foreclosure analysis
- Sheriff sale purchases
This search includes:
- All deeds
- Mortgages
- Judgments
- Liens
- Easements
- Restrictions
Ownership & Encumbrance (O&E)
Cheaper search that shows:
- Current owner
- Open mortgages
- Liens
- Taxes
Often used by investors before sheriff sale bidding.
Foreclosure Title Search
This is more detailed and includes:
- All parties that must be named in foreclosure
- HOA liens
- Judgment creditors
- IRS liens
Time Period of the Search
In New Jersey, most searches cover:
- 60 years of title history
But investors sometimes request:
- 20-year search
- Full chain search
Title companies follow standards from organizations like the American Land Title Association.
Things You Should Ask the Title Company to Check
Especially for sheriff sale purchases:
Taxes
Check with:
- Municipal tax collector
- New Jersey Division of Taxation
Property taxes are always senior liens.
HOA / Condo Liens
Check association records and filings under the New Jersey Condominium Act.
Important for you because:
- Only 6 months may have priority
- Other HOA charges may be wiped out in foreclosure.
Municipal Liens
Look for:
- Water & sewer
- Code enforcement
- Demolition liens
- Special assessments
Cities can record liens that survive foreclosure.
Judgments Against Owner
Search for:
- Civil judgments
- State tax liens
- Federal tax liens
Federal liens from the **Internal Revenue Service may have redemption rights.
Sheriff Sale Purchases – Special Checks
When you buy from a sheriff sale, ask the title company to confirm:
- Which liens survived foreclosure
- Which liens were wiped out
- HOA super-priority amount
- Whether there are unreleased mortgages
Sheriff sale properties are processed through the New Jersey Superior Court foreclosure system.
Documents You Should Provide to the Title Company
Send them:
- Sheriff sale deed (if you purchased already)
- Prior foreclosure case number
- Lien documents
- HOA liens
- Property address + block & lot
This helps them run a cleaner search.
Questions to Ask
Before ordering the search ask:
1️. What type of search will you run?
2️. How many years of title will it cover?
3️. Will you check municipal liens?
4️. Will you check HOA priority liens?
5️. Can the search be used for title insurance later?
Common Mistake Investors Make
Many people only check:
- mortgages
- judgments
But forget about:
- municipal liens
- HOA super liens
- utility liens
Those can survive foreclosure.