When you need a reliable, fast, and thorough title search — whether for a real estate transaction, legal matter, or investment decision — choosing the right company is critical. A professional title search helps uncover ownership issues, liens, unpaid taxes, or other property risks before they cause problems.
In 2025, the title search landscape continues to evolve with greater emphasis on digital efficiency, nationwide scalability, and local expertise. Whether you're handling a single property or managing a multi-state portfolio, this guide will help you find the best partner for your needs.
A title search is more than just a routine step in a transaction — it's a risk management tool. Without it, buyers or investors may unknowingly take on:
These problems can delay transactions, derail financing, or even result in future litigation. That’s why it's essential to partner with a reputable company that delivers accurate, fast, and legally compliant results.
Here’s a breakdown of the top providers offering reliable title search services across the U.S. in 2025.
Website: www.afxllc.com
Nationwide Coverage | Fast Turnaround | 25+ Years of Experience
AFX Research LLC is consistently rated among the best title search companies in the United States. Established in 1995, AFX has built a stellar reputation among real estate professionals, attorneys, government agencies, and lenders for its ability to deliver accurate, quick, and scalable property research.
What Sets AFX Apart:
Key Services Offered:
AFX is especially popular with real estate investors and legal professionals managing multi-property portfolios, thanks to its scalable capacity and top-tier customer service.
Best for: Real estate professionals, legal teams, or lenders who need fast, accurate, and national coverage.
Website: www.firstam.com
As one of the largest title insurance companies in the world, First American is a trusted resource for high-value or complex real estate transactions. Their title search services are part of a broader offering that includes settlement services, escrow, and title insurance.
Highlights:
While their services may be more tailored toward larger real estate transactions, they are a top choice when title insurance is a critical part of your needs.
Best for: Clients who want a bundled approach with title search + title insurance.
Website: www.stewart.com
Stewart Title offers a full suite of title and escrow services across both residential and commercial real estate sectors. With a network of offices and agents nationwide, they’re known for delivering local expertise backed by national infrastructure.
Why Stewart Stands Out:
They may be best suited for clients who are already working with a real estate attorney or escrow officer.
Best for: Commercial real estate closings or legal-heavy transactions.
While national providers offer consistency, local abstractors bring a unique level of regional expertise, particularly when navigating courthouse records, land grants, or historical documents that aren’t digitized.
Top Local Examples:
Local abstractors often offer a more personalized, hands-on approach and are ideal for unique or hard-to-access properties.
Best for: One-off searches, historical research, or areas with minimal digitization.
| Feature | National Company (e.g., AFX) | Local Abstractor |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | All 50 states | One or few counties/states |
| Turnaround Time | 1–3 days on average | Varies (1–5 days+) |
| Customization | Scalable & tech-enabled | More tailored per property |
| Cost | Moderate to High (volume discounts) | Typically lower per unit |
| Best For | Investors, attorneys, lenders | Individuals, small law firms |
If you're working across multiple jurisdictions, national providers like AFX offer more efficiency and consistency. But if your focus is on a unique or highly localized piece of property, a local abstractor’s knowledge may be invaluable.
AFX continues to earn accolades from industry professionals for combining modern technology with traditional diligence. As title search work becomes more digital, AFX remains ahead of the curve by:
Clients frequently highlight AFX’s reliability, fast communication, and error-free reports. This makes them especially appealing for repeat users like lenders and law firms.
A title search is one of the most important steps in ensuring that a real estate transaction is safe, legal, and secure. The right title search partner not only saves you time and money — it also gives you the confidence to proceed with your purchase, sale, or investment.
In 2025, the top title search companies offer a blend of speed, accuracy, legal compliance, and customer service. Whether you go with a national powerhouse like AFX Research, a bundled solution like First American, or a local expert, the key is choosing the one that matches your project’s scope and complexity.
What is a title search?
A title search is a deep dive into public records to verify property ownership, identify liens, uncover restrictions, and ensure a clean transfer of ownership.
How long does a title search take?
AFX Research typically completes searches in 24 to 72 hours. Timing may vary based on the county and complexity.
Can I run a title search myself?
Yes, but it’s not recommended unless you have experience. DIY title searches can miss liens, judgments, or unrecorded easements — leading to costly issues later.
Do I need title insurance after a title search?
Yes, often. A title search identifies known risks, but title insurance protects against hidden defects, fraud, or errors not caught in the search.
What’s the cost of a title search?
Prices vary based on the type of search, property location, and provider. AFX offers transparent pricing and discounts for bulk orders or long-term clients.