Current Owner Search
A Current Owner Search (also referred to as an Owner & Encumbrance Search or O&E) examines real estate title starting with the current deed of record that vested title into the present property owner, and searches forward through the current date for all recorded encumbrances.
Common Transaction Uses
- Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) and second mortgage originations
- Pre-foreclosure assessment and default servicing reviews
- Real estate tax appeal filings and valuation verifications
- Pre-listing checks for real estate agents and investors
- Short sale negotiations and debt settlement evaluations
Public Records & Filings Examined
- Current recorded vesting deed establishing legal ownership
- All active open mortgages and deeds of trust
- Mortgage assignments, modifications, and subordinate financing
- State and federal tax liens against the current record owner(s)
- County court judgment rolls, civil judgments, and lis pendens
- Municipal and county property tax status, paid and delinquent amounts
- Full recorded legal property description
Information Required to Request
- Complete subject property street address
- County and state where the real property is situated
- Tax Assessor's Parcel Number (APN / PIN)
- Name(s) of current record owner(s) if known
Examination Considerations
A Current Owner Search does not establish the historical chain of title prior to the vesting deed. For transactions requiring historical warranty deed verification, a Two Owner or Full Search should be ordered.
Frequently Asked Questions about Current Owner Search
What is an Owner and Encumbrance (O&E) search?
An O&E or Current Owner search verifies who currently holds legal title to a property and lists all outstanding mortgages, judgments, and liens recorded against that owner and property.
Is a Current Owner Search sufficient for property purchases?
Most standard purchase transactions and title insurance policies require a multi-owner or full statutory search (typically 30–60 years). Current Owner searches are commonly utilized for junior equity lending, refinancing, and portfolio audits.
Related Title Research Services
Order a Current Owner Search
Submit your order identifiers through our contact form. Our intake team confirms receipt and initiates registry examination promptly.