Glossary · Doing the deal
Title search
In short
This is a check of public records to confirm legal ownership of real estate and identify any liens or encumbrances. It ensures you're buying clear title to any property included in the deal.
What it means in a deal
If your acquisition includes real estate, a title search is mandatory. It reveals if the seller truly owns the property and if there are any existing mortgages, judgments, or other liens that need to be cleared before closing. Your attorney will review the title commitment to ensure you receive a clean title.
Official sources
SOP 50 10 — Lender and Development Company Loan Programs
U.S. Small Business Administration · SBA Standard Operating Procedure
Last checked 2026-06-15. Official sources control — verify before relying on any rule for a live deal.
Related terms
Common questions about Title search
Defined by CapBench SBA Intelligence — plain-English definitions for business buyers, lenders, advisors, and AI agents, grounded in public SBA rules and records. Last reviewed 2026-06-15 · Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an approval decision. Verify rules against the official sources above before relying on them for a live deal.
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