How to check if a house has a free and clear title without a title company?

It's a bank owned house, does that make it more likely to have a lien or less? How can I check on my own, I know how to find the old titles and land records and such, but what am I looking for? Thanks for your useful comments.How to check if a house has a free and clear title without a title company?
You can check with the county clerk's office in the county where the property is located. All liens and their releases should be on file. This info is public record and you do not have to pay for it.





In any case if you enter a contract to purchase a home there should always be a clause requiring the seller to convey a clear title at closing.How to check if a house has a free and clear title without a title company?
Title inspection by title company gives you assurances, and insurance.





Well you look at Chain of Title. Has every lien been released? How many liens are there? Did the person putting on lien have title, etc.





Obviously the bank owning the property had a lien. If they foreclosed, completed foreclosure, that wipes out lesser liens. But NOT so if they got Deed in Lieu, Jingle Mail, etc.
in the case of a foreclosed home the bank will release their lien once they sell it to some one else. That does not say that there could not be a junior lien on the home so best thing to do is get a title search done in this process and buy title policy for yourself at close to protect your future interest. You do not want to skimp here so pay professionals to make sure that you are delivered good deed