Which common title defect might a title agent encounter?

An unknown heir claiming ownership is a common title defect that can create significant issues during a real estate transaction. This situation arises when an individual, who has a legitimate claim to the property due to inheritance, goes unrecognized in the title search process. If a property owner passes away without a will or without clarifying the heirs, it can lead to disputes over ownership. These claims can lead to complications in the transfer of property, legal disputes, and can impact the marketability of the title. Title agents must conduct thorough title searches and possibly employ additional methods, such as probate searches, to uncover potential heirs and address these risks before the transaction can proceed smoothly.