Property Title Searches in North Carolina (NC)

With a population near 10.5 million, North Carolina is the 9^th most populous state in the United States. Charlotte, the state’s largest city, is the 2^nd largest banking center in the nation. Known as the Tarheel State, it has three distinct geographic regions: the Atlantic coastal plain; the central Piedmont region; and the mountain region.

What is a Property Title Search?

A title search is a report that is comprised of key information pertaining to a specific property. The report will indicate if the property taxes have been paid, if there are any open mortgages, as well as if there are any active property-specific liens such as foreclosure details, HOA liens and municipal liens. In addition, judgments and liens against the owner are included.

Why is a Property Title Search a Must-Have in North Carolina?

A property title search is necessary to protect your investment. Existing liens such as code enforcement liens as well as delinquent taxes will attach to the property and become your responsibility even after the property has been sold to you. 

How Much is a North Carolina Property Search?

Type of Search	Cost
O&E Report (Residential)	$87.95
Two Owner Search (Residential)	$137.95
30-Year Search (Residential)	$195.00
Title Update	$40.00
Commercial O&E Report	$250.00
Attorney Certification (fee is added to cost of search)	$125.00

Price depends on the county; lowest price shown. Prices are subject to change.

Things to Watch Out for When Searching Properties in North Carolina

It is important to note that some cities and towns in North Carolina collect real estate taxes separate from the county. If the property is subject to separate city or town taxes, all collecting jurisdictions need to be searched. It’s also worth mentioning that most judgments and liens are not filed online in public records. They are kept in the court’s database so it’s critical that court records also be searched.

North Carolina Counties Served

Alamance, Alexander, Alleghany, Anson, Ashe, Avery, Beaufort, Bertie, Bladen, Brunswick, Buncombe, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Camden, Carteret, Caswell, Catawba, Chatham, Cherokee, Chowan, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Dare, Davidson, Davie, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Gates, Graham, Granville, Greene, Guilford, Halifax, Harnett, Haywood, Henderson, Hertford, Hoke, Hyde, Iredell, Jackson, Johnston, Jones, Lee, Lenoir, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Martin, McDowell, Mecklenburg, Mitchell, Montgomery, Moore, Nash, New Hanover, Northampton, Onslow, Orange, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Person, Pitt, Polk, Randolph, Richmond, Robeson, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Sampson, Scotland, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Tyrrell, Union, Vance, Wake, Warren, Washington, Watauga, Wayne, Wilkes, Wilson, Yadkin and Yancey,

Frequently Asked Questions
from Customers in North Carolina

How long does a North Carolina title search take to complete?

A property search in North Carolina can take as little as four business hours when the expedite service is selected. If expediting the order is not required, the turn time is generally 24-48 buisness hours. Please note that if the order requires attorney certification, it cannot be expedited.

How to find out who owns a property in North Carolina for free?

The county clerk or county recorder is the go-to source for identifying property owners. Provided you know the property's location and county, the information is usually available free of charge.

How do I order a title search in NC?

You can place your order with Mortgage Services online through their homepage, or reach them by phone at (219) 235 8822 or via email at info@mortgage-services.com.