For anyone involved in an Iowa real estate transaction—whether you're a home buyer, lender, or real estate agent—conducting a comprehensive Iowa title search is a crucial step. Iowa is unique in that it is the only U.S. state to still primarily rely on the abstract of title system. That means understanding terms like assignment of mortgage, abstracts title, public records, and legal documents is essential.
At the center of this process is AFX Research, a nationwide title search provider that specializes in abstracting, lien research, and advanced title solutions. With decades of experience working with mortgage lenders, title companies, and attorneys, AFX Research ensures every search meets Iowa's standards for real estate due diligence.
In this post, we’ll explore:
Unlike most states that issue title insurance backed by guarantees, Iowa uses abstracts of title to record and verify the chain of ownership. An abstract of title is a detailed history of all legal documents, transactions, and public records affecting a piece of real estate.
To close on a property in Iowa, the seller must provide an updated abstract showing a clear title. This document includes everything from:
Because of this system, accurate and timely title research is absolutely critical—especially when mortgage loans and lending deadlines are involved.
AFX Research is a trusted provider of abstracting and title search services in all 99 counties across Iowa. Whether you're issuing a fixed rate mortgage, evaluating homeowners insurance risk, or underwriting a new loan, AFX delivers the detailed public records analysis required for compliance.
AFX leverages a blend of technology and human expertise to ensure every abstract is accurate, comprehensive, and lender-ready.
A complete record of all historical transactions and encumbrances tied to a property, including deeds, mortgages, and liens. In Iowa, this replaces a traditional title insurance policy.
...a legal agreement in which property is used as collateral to secure a loan. The mortgage must be recorded in the county’s public records and may have multiple assignment of mortgage filings if sold to different investors.
When a lender sells or transfers a mortgage loan to another party, the transaction must be recorded. AFX Research tracks these changes in ownership to ensure the chain of title is clean.
A legal claim against the property due to unpaid debts (e.g., taxes, child support, contractor fees). AFX identifies all open or unresolved liens to protect lenders and home buyers.
A type of mortgage where the interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. Verifying property title is a necessary step before approval.
Insurance that protects the buyer’s investment. In Iowa, insurers often require confirmation of a clear abstract before issuing policies.
Whether it’s a new purchase or refinancing, title accuracy matters. Errors in an abstract can delay closings or lead to legal disputes down the road. AFX Research prevents that by combining efficient abstracting with quality assurance at every step.
| Feature | Traditional Abstractors | AFX Research |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround Time | 3–10 business days | 1–3 business days |
| Access to Statewide Records | Limited to local courthouse | Digital access to all 99 counties |
| Mortgage Assignments Tracked | Often missing or outdated | Verified in real-time |
| Lien Checks | Manual, county by county | Centralized lien and judgment checks |
| Document Delivery | Printed or mailed abstracts | PDF, JSON, or direct API upload |
| Ideal for Lenders & Underwriters | No | Yes |
| Compatible with Title Software | Rarely | Yes (integrates with major platforms) |
When issuing mortgage loans, lenders must know exactly what risks are tied to the property. A lien on the property or unresolved assignment of mortgage can pose serious problems. AFX Research helps prevent:
With Iowa relying so heavily on human-prepared abstracts, quality matters more than ever. That’s where AFX’s auditing and QA teams make the difference.
Unlike in most states, Iowa doesn’t allow private title companies to issue title insurance on residential properties. Instead, companies like AFX support title professionals by:
Whether you're using a fixed rate mortgage, variable loan, or government-backed program, the Iowa Title Guaranty still requires a clean, updated abstract—which AFX Research can deliver quickly and reliably.
If you're a home buyer in Iowa, expect to receive a copy of the abstract of title during the process. You'll need to hire an attorney to review it before the mortgage is finalized. AFX Research works with your lender or title rep behind the scenes to ensure everything is correct—from verifying public records to ensuring there’s no lien on the property.
Once your attorney gives the green light, your lender can proceed with the mortgage loan and your homeowners insurance can be issued.
Whether you're a lender evaluating mortgage loans, a buyer entering your first real estate deal, or a legal professional reviewing legal documents, you need a title partner that understands the nuances of Iowa's abstract system.
AFX Research has the technology, experience, and coverage to support the most demanding title workloads. From small towns to large cities across Iowa, AFX delivers accurate, on-time, and fully auditable title search results that you can trust.
Explore better abstracting. Choose AFX.