Where should you start a title search?

Starting a title search with the grantee index is a strategic approach because the grantee index lists all incoming property transfers recorded in a specific jurisdiction. This index allows the researcher to trace the current ownership of the property back to its origin, making it critical for establishing a clear chain of title.

When beginning a title search, having a comprehensive understanding of who currently owns the property is essential, as this forms the basis for understanding past ownership. The grantee index is organized in a manner that allows for easy identification of all subsequent transactions involving the property, thus enabling the researcher to track ownership changes effectively.

In contrast, beginning with the grantor index, which lists outgoing transfers, could lead to confusion about past ownerships without first clarifying the current ownership status. While county records offices are important places to gather documentation, starting directly with the grantee index provides the most efficient starting point to establish the property's ownership history. Local real estate agencies might have some information, but they are not as systematic or comprehensive as the public records found in the grantee index.