Title search

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for rendering title decisions on an expedited basis. In light of empirical data showing a correlation between negative financial information (e.g., credit delinquencies) of a property owner/borrower and potential encumbrances on title to real estate owned by the property owner/borrower, a computer-implemented process evaluates financial information of a prospective mortgage applicant. If the financial information is favorable, an expedited title decision-making process is used to determine the adequacy and quality of the security to be pledged in connection with the mortgage transaction, as well as to assist in the process of issuance of title insurance products. If the financial information is not favorable, a full title search is performed. The invention significantly increases the speed of the mortgage application process without incurring substantial risks. A variation of the invention permits lenders to prescreen prospective mortgage applicants by determining whether they would qualify for an expedited title decision-making process. Those candidates who would qualify for the expedited title decision-making process are solicited for an expedited mortgage process.

Abstract: A communication hub to facilitate one or more real estate transactions is provided. The communication hub includes a memory to inventory available properties and a pool of appraisers, contracts, inspectors, and the like that may be scheduled via the communication hub to perform necessary or desired services. The communication hub further operates to initiate an escrow and title search for each inventoried or listed property to facilitate cash-out, trade-in, sale, or purchase of the inventoried or listed property.

Abstract: A composite display method and system for a search engine of same resource information based on the degree of attention. The search engine finds all the target stations that correspond to some conditions as original results. The original results are combined to a title search result depending on the content, quality, and information of a user, etc. The title search result is displayed on the browser of the user as a search result, and can be expanded when being viewed. The system uses a statistic server and network browser, and all operations of user are converted into the degree of attention for the web pages. The grade value for the degree of attention is sent to the statistic server as the standard of arrangement for the presentation of content and quality. Another method capable of judging the status of the user automatically and providing the suitable web page is also disclosed.

Abstract: In the United States, title to land is protected by a system of public records that would‐be buyers must consult in order to ensure that they are dealing with the true owner. Search is a costly process, however, especially as one goes back in time and the records deteriorate. This paper uses a sequential search model to determine how far back in time buyers should search. We find that, in general, search of the entire record is not optimal, which implies that optimal search does not establish title with certainty. We test the model using state statutes and search guidelines that limit the required length of title search. Our results show that the search limits vary across states according to the predictions of the model.