Common Title Problems That Can Delay Your Closing (and How to Avoid Them)

Title issues can derail a deal fast. The worst part? Many of them are preventable—if you’re working with the right title team.

In this blog, we’ll break down the most common title issues, how they happen, and how to avoid them.

What Are Title Problems?

Title problems are issues with the legal ownership of a property. If there’s something wrong in the property history or paperwork, it can delay or stop the closing.

Common Title Problems That Cause Delays

1. Property Liens

Unpaid taxes, contractor bills, or court judgments can create liens that must be cleared before closing.

2. Missing or Unknown Heirs

If a property has been inherited but not legally settled, someone else might have a claim to it.

3. Boundary Disputes

A fence or driveway built over a neighbor’s land can trigger a legal delay.

4. Clerical Errors

Incorrect names, wrong lot numbers, or outdated deeds all need to be fixed before ownership can legally transfer.

5. Fraud or Forgery

Though rare, it’s possible for people to pose as sellers without legal right to the property.

Example Scenario

Let’s say: A home goes under contract, but during the title search, an old contractor lien from five years ago shows up. The seller had no idea it existed. Rocket Title identifies it early, helps negotiate a payoff, and keeps the deal on track without delay.

How Rocket Title Prevents Title Issues

We start early. Our title searches are fast and thorough. If something’s wrong, we work with attorneys and underwriters to fix it before closing day. And we keep agents and clients in the loop the entire time.

Takeaway

You shouldn’t have to find out about title problems the week of closing. Work with a title team that solves issues before they become emergencies.

Choose Rocket Title—for closings that stay on schedule.