A Pre-Listing Title Search Checklist

If you’re preparing for a new listing, one of the best ways to avoid surprises during the selling process is to do a pre-listing title search.

As a Realtor, having a basic understanding of title can help you catch problems early... when they’re easier to fix.

It’s also a great way to prove your value to your client at the listing stage.

You can obtain a Parcel Register (commonly referred to as a Title Search) through your GeoWarehouse access, or through the public site OnLand.ca, usually for under $40.

I also made a video showing how to do it here.

Anyways — here are 4 things I recommend checking when you’re preparing a new listing:

1) Registered Owners

First, make sure the "Owners' Names" match the person(s) you’re dealing with.

Sounds obvious, but I often see Agreements that are missing a name, or include someone who is not actually on title.

• You’re speaking to one spouse, but both are on title
• The “seller” is actually an estate trustee
• Someone thinks they own it… but they don’t

2) Mortgages / Charges

What (and how many) mortgages are registered against the property?

Mortgages appear under the instrument type "Charge".

Is there one mortgage? Two? Is it a Private mortgage?

You will see who the lender is (under "Parties to" column), and pay attention to the "Amount" registered.

If the mortgages are higher than the value of the property, you can run into a real closing problem:

• the seller may not have enough proceeds to pay out the debt
• they may not be able to convey clear title
• and yes… it impacts whether commission can be paid.

So check this, and don't work for free.

3) S/T, T/W or Easements in the Legal Description

Look at the legal description for flags like S/T , T/W or Easement — which signal the property may be subject to rights-of-way or easements.

Why it matters: you want to be able to convey accurate information to potential buyers.

If the seller isn’t clear on any rights-of-way or easements that do appear in the description, have them engage a real estate lawyer early — we can give an opinion so you're able to explain it properly to potential buyers.

4) "Other" Registrations (liens, cautions, notices, etc.)

Finally, scan for registrations that should trigger further investigation.

• liens
• cautions
• notices

And pay special attention to recent registrations — newer entries are more likely to reflect an active dispute, unpaid issue, or something that can delay (or prevent) a clean closing.

Even if it turns out to be nothing, finding it early gives you time to deal with it instead of discovering it when the buyer’s lawyer raises it right before closing.

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If something looks odd, this is where a quick call to a real estate lawyer can save you from a surprise objection mid-deal — and it helps you give cleaner, more confident information to buyers upfront.

Latest YouTube Video:

How to READ a Title Search in Ontario