Purchasing commercial property is a major investment. It’s not just about securing the right location or negotiating a favorable price. One of the most important steps before signing a contract is ensuring you are buying a clean, unencumbered title. An in-depth title examination performed by an experienced commercial property attorney is crucial to protect your investment from costly legal issues. At the Law Offices of S. Mark Burr, P.C., we focus on providing thorough title examinations for commercial real estate transactions throughout Alpharetta and North Georgia.

Why You Need an Experienced Title Examination Attorney

Mark Burr brings over 30 years of experience in real estate law. He understands how complicated commercial property titles can be. While it may seem straightforward to check if a title is clear, the reality is far more complex. Legal restrictions, liens, and claims can all impact a title’s validity. Without proper examination, you could inherit problems that limit your use of the property or reduce its value. Worse yet, you could be at risk of losing your rights to the property altogether.

An experienced attorney like Mark Burr goes beyond a simple search. He digs deep to uncover any issues that could affect your ownership, helping you avoid legal battles and financial losses down the road.

Property Title Lien Searches

One of the first things our office examines during a commercial property transaction is whether there are any liens against the property. These can include:

• Mortgages
• Tax liens
• Mechanic’s or contractor’s liens
• Judgments
• Bankruptcy claims
• Attorney liens
• Second mortgages

While sellers may disclose some of these issues, they’re not always aware of everything attached to their property’s title. Our team conducts a detailed property title lien search to find all existing claims—whether they’ve been properly recorded or not. While most liens can be resolved before closing, it’s essential to know what exists before you proceed.

Cloud on Title Examination

A “cloud on title” occurs when there’s uncertainty or a break in the documented chain of ownership. This can be due to missing documents, improperly recorded deeds, or unresolved claims from previous owners. A cloud on title can lead to serious complications if an individual or entity asserts a claim on the property in the future.

For commercial real estate buyers, ensuring a clear and undisputed chain of title is non-negotiable. Mark Burr’s decades of experience mean he knows where to look and what questions to ask to resolve any clouds before they become bigger problems.

Land Title Review for Defects and Restrictions

In addition to liens and clouds on title, other defects and restrictions can impact your ability to develop or use commercial property:

• Easements that allow others to use part of the land
• Boundary disputes with adjacent property owners
• Zoning or environmental restrictions
• Incorrect legal descriptions
• Unknown heirs or outstanding claims

These issues may not be obvious during a standard review but can affect everything from building plans to property value. At the Law Offices of S. Mark Burr, P.C., we provide detailed land title reviews that uncover these potential problems early in the process.

Protect Your Commercial Real Estate Investment

A comprehensive title examination isn’t just paperwork—it’s a safeguard for your investment. Mark Burr’s extensive knowledge of real estate law ensures you’re making a well-informed purchase. If you’re buying commercial property in Alpharetta or anywhere in Georgia, let our team help you protect your interests from the start.