What is a Cloud on a Real Estate Title

When buying a home you want to make sure you're not buying property from someone questionable. If the homeowner has a cloud on his real estate title, it means that the owner's title to the property might be doubtful or invalid.

A cloud can arise from a claim, document, unreleased lien, or even court decree against the homeowner. Clouds on titles are usually discovered during a title search. Some area easily addressed, while others can be costly and time consuming to solve ? if they can be solved at all.

A property owner can protect himself from getting a cloud on his title by hiring a knowledgeable attorney, having a comprehensive title examination done by a professional, and buying an owner's title insurance policy.