The preliminary title report is one of the most important — and most overlooked — documents in a Santa Clarita Valley purchase. Reading it carefully reveals exactly what affects the property's title before you own it.
What is in a preliminary title report?
The prelim summarizes the recorded matters that affect the property. Brian Cooper serves the Santa Clarita Valley from our Simi Valley headquarters.
- Current owner of record and vesting
- Property tax status (Los Angeles County)
- Liens and encumbrances
- Easements and rights-of-way
- CC&Rs and HOA-related items
- Other recorded exceptions
How to read it line by line
Work through each numbered exception. Some are routine (taxes, standard utility easements); others matter more (liens, unusual easements, boundary issues). Flag anything you do not understand and ask the title officer to explain.
- Confirm vesting and ownership. The seller should match the owner of record.
- Check the tax status. Verify Los Angeles County property taxes.
- Review liens. These must typically be cleared at or before closing.
- Examine easements. Understand who has rights across the property.
- Read CC&Rs. Especially in HOA communities and master plans.
- Question anything unclear. Ask the title officer for clarification.
What needs to be cleared before closing?
Liens, judgments, and certain encumbrances usually must be resolved so the buyer receives clear title. The escrow and title teams coordinate payoffs and removals. Easements and CC&Rs typically remain but you should understand how they affect use of the property.
Title in SCV master-planned communities
Homes in SCV master-planned communities communities, and tracts with Santa Clarita Mello-Roos assessments, often have additional recorded items. Reading the prelim alongside HOA and assessment documents gives you the full picture of what governs the property.
Title insurance and the prelim
The prelim is the basis for the title policy issued at closing, which protects against covered title defects. Review the exceptions, because items listed as exceptions are generally not covered. A title officer can explain coverage.
Review your prelim with care
Brian Cooper helps buyers work through the prelim and flag items for the title team. Brian Cooper serves the Santa Clarita Valley from our Simi Valley headquarters. This is general information, not legal advice. Start at Buyers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a preliminary title report?
It is a report showing the current owner, type of title, and the exceptions to clear title — liens, easements, CC&Rs, and other recorded matters — used to prepare the title policy.
What should I look for in the prelim?
Confirm ownership and vesting, check the tax status, review liens, understand easements and CC&Rs, and question anything unclear with the title officer. This is general information, not legal advice.
What gets cleared before closing?
Liens and certain encumbrances typically must be resolved so you receive clear title. Escrow and title coordinate payoffs and removals before closing.
Do easements stay with the property?
Generally yes. Easements and CC&Rs typically remain. The key is understanding how they affect your use of the property before you buy.
What is title insurance?
Title insurance protects against covered title defects. The prelim's exceptions are generally not covered, so review them carefully. A title officer can explain coverage.
Does Brian Cooper help review title?
Yes. Brian Cooper serves the Santa Clarita Valley from our Simi Valley headquarters and helps buyers review the prelim with the title team. This is general information, not legal advice.
