Common Red Flags Title Companies Catch Before Closing

How Your Title Partner Helps Prevent Costly Delays in Lubbock Real Estate
When you're buying or selling a home, you're probably focused on the big picture—inspections, loan approvals, moving plans. But behind the scenes, your title company is quietly working to ensure that the deal can legally and securely close.

At Hub City Title, we specialize in identifying and resolving issues that could derail your transaction. Some of these red flags are surprisingly common—and if left unchecked, they can delay or even kill a deal at the last minute.
Here are some of the most frequent title red flags we uncover before closing—and why it’s so important to catch them early.

1. Liens Against the Property
A lien is a legal claim against a property, typically for unpaid debts like:

• Unpaid property taxes
• Contractor work (mechanic’s liens)
• HOA dues
• Judgment liens from lawsuits

If these aren’t resolved before closing, the buyer could become responsible for them. We run a comprehensive title search to ensure the seller can convey clear title—free of hidden debt.

2. Unknown Heirs or Ownership Disputes
If a property was inherited and one or more heirs were left out of the chain of title—or if ownership was never properly transferred through probate—it can create confusion or even legal battles.
Our title team investigates these situations and ensures all rightful parties are accounted for before any transfer of ownership takes place.

3. Errors in Public Records
Believe it or not, simple clerical errors—a misspelled name, incorrect legal description, or missing signatures—can lead to major issues later on. These mistakes often originate from past deeds or improperly recorded documents.
We double-check all public records and correct discrepancies to make sure the title is clean and legally accurate.

4. Boundary or Survey Issues
Sometimes, a property line on paper doesn’t match the fence or structure in reality. This can lead to disputes with neighbors over encroachments or easements (such as shared driveways or utility access).
We work with surveyors and attorneys when needed to clarify boundaries and help resolve any survey-related conflicts before closing.

5. Unreleased Mortgages or Old Loans
Just because a loan has been paid off doesn’t mean it’s been properly released. We often find old deeds of trust or unreleased mortgages still showing up in the records.
These outdated documents must be formally released before closing to avoid title defects. Our team tracks them down and gets them cleared for you.

6. Missing or Invalid Signatures
If a deed was signed by someone without legal authority—such as an unauthorized party in a divorce or estate—or if signatures were notarized improperly, it can invalidate the transaction.
We verify that all prior transactions involved legally authorized parties, and we fix any document issues that could impact your ownership.

7. Fraudulent Documents or Forgery
Though rare, real estate fraud is on the rise. Forged signatures, fake power of attorney documents, and fraudulent sellers have become more sophisticated.
Hub City Title uses secure systems and careful document verification to detect and prevent fraudulent activity before it becomes a nightmare.

Why These Red Flags Matter
Catching these issues before closing helps:

• Prevent legal trouble for buyers and sellers
• Protect lenders from financial risk
• Avoid delays or contract cancellations
• Ensure all parties walk away with peace of mind

When you work with an experienced title company like Hub City Title, you're not just checking boxes—you’re protecting your property rights, your investment, and your future.

Closing with Confidence in Lubbock
Real estate deals can get complicated—but they don’t have to be stressful. At Hub City Title, we’re committed to catching red flags early and handling them professionally, so your transaction moves forward smoothly.

Ready to work with a title company that has your back?
Get in touch with us today and let Hub City Title take care of you!