When you’re buying a home in Staten Island or South Brooklyn (103xx / 11209 / 11214 / 11228), one of the most important steps is the title search. It might sound dry, but behind the legal jargon lies real-potential issues that can affect your purchase, your ownership, and your peace of mind.

Who Owns the Property & Who Can Sell It

A title search starts by confirming that the person selling the property actually owns the property and has the legal right to transfer it. Realtor+2Mann Lawyers+2 This includes checking the full chain of ownership (known as the “chain of title”). If there’s a missing link - such as a property never being properly transferred after a death or divorce, the sale could be at risk. Mann Lawyers+2Wikipedia+2

Encumbrances, Liens & Easements

Beyond ownership, a title search uncovers anything else that’s attached to the property - financial, legal or physical. That includes:

• Outstanding mortgages, unpaid taxes or judgments . Realtor+2firstam.com+2

• Liens from contractors, sidewalk or sewer assessments, municipal charges . firstam.com+1

• Easements or rights-of-way (for utilities, neighbours, driveways) that may limit or affect your property use . Mann Lawyers+1

• Restrictions or covenants (such as historic district rules or zoning overlays) that may impact remodels or future use . LegalZoom+1

If such issues are attached, they could delay closing or reduce your ability to alter the home like you expect.

Why It Matters for Your Staten Island or Brooklyn Home

As your local expert I’ve seen buyers overlook this step and then pay later. Either in extra fees, unfinished legal work, or in the worst cases, a compromised purchase. On Staten Island and in South Brooklyn, older homes often have complex histories: multiple owners, maybe informal property splits, legacy easements or municipal assessments.

A clean title means you’re buying a home with confidence. If the title search finds issues, you may need to negotiate with the seller, ask for liens to be cleared, or delay closing while things are sorted. The cost of ignoring it can be much higher than the cost of the search.
When you work with me, I make sure this isn’t just a line item! It’s a deep check-and-balance built into the deal so you don’t get surprised later.

—

Joseph Ranola | Five-Star Staten Island & South Brooklyn Realtor® (30 + Google reviews)
Associate Broker · Matias Real Estate | Founder · Bridge & Boro Team
Serving 103xx and 11209 / 11214 / 11228 | $25 M + closed volume
📞 917-716-1496 | RanolaRealEstate.com