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Municipal Lien Searches
In many states, a Municipal Lien Search is a required part of property due diligence for a real estate closing. Unlike a standard title search, which focuses on recorded documents at the county level, a municipal lien search checks directly with city and county departments to uncover property-related debts and violations that can follow the property—even if they were never recorded in public land records.
This search helps identify unrecorded liens and hidden obligations such as unpaid utilities, code enforcement fines, open or expired permits, and special assessments. Catching these issues early can prevent last-minute closing delays, surprise payoffs, and expensive post-closing fixes—protecting buyers, lenders, and title teams from avoidable risk.
At Skyline Title Support, we make Municipal Lien Searches straightforward for busy title teams, lenders, and real estate professionals. Our specialists know what each municipality requires, where to look beyond county records, and how to document results clearly so you can clear issues fast and keep your closing on schedule.
You get responsive communication from real people who answer questions, and provide updates if a jurisdiction is slow or additional information is needed. The goal is simple: accurate municipal data, fewer surprises, and a smoother transaction from order to close.
This search helps identify unrecorded liens and hidden obligations such as unpaid utilities, code enforcement fines, open or expired permits, and special assessments. Catching these issues early can prevent last-minute closing delays, surprise payoffs, and expensive post-closing fixes—protecting buyers, lenders, and title teams from avoidable risk.
At Skyline Title Support, we make Municipal Lien Searches straightforward for busy title teams, lenders, and real estate professionals. Our specialists know what each municipality requires, where to look beyond county records, and how to document results clearly so you can clear issues fast and keep your closing on schedule.
You get responsive communication from real people who answer questions, and provide updates if a jurisdiction is slow or additional information is needed. The goal is simple: accurate municipal data, fewer surprises, and a smoother transaction from order to close.
The search is conducted with the city or county finance department to determine whether there are any:
Introducing FastTrackTM Municipal Lien Search from Skyline Title Support
Your ultimate solution for expedited Municipal Lien Searches (MLS), designed to streamline last-minute closings and deliver an unparalleled client experience. With FastTrackTM MLS, you'll enjoy the fastest turnaround times in the industry while ensuring accuracy and reliability every time. Close deals faster, eliminate delays, and impress clients with a seamless process that sets you apart in the competitive real estate market.
Key Advantages:
Speed: Receive Municipal Lien Searches within 3-48 hours, over 90% of the time.
Savings: Save 30-35% by avoiding municipal hard costs 70% of the time.
Reliability: Trust accurate results backed by a $2M Errors & Omissions policy.
Coverage: FastTrack is available in over 95% of Florida.
Convenience: Place orders with one click via our online portal.
FastTrack
5 Stars
Inc. 5000
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Why Municipal Lien Searches are Crucial
A Municipal Lien Search uncovers hidden issues that might not be recorded in the public records but can have significant financial implications for new property owners. These include:
● Unpaid Utilities: Outstanding charges for water, sewer, and garbage services.
● Code Violations: Fines and penalties for violations ofmunicipal codes, which can result in substantial costs for bringing a propertyinto compliance.
● Special Assessments: Fees levied by municipalities forimprovements like street paving, which can be passed on to new owners.
● Permit Issues: Identifying any open or expired permitsthat require attention or resolution before the property can be sold ortransferred.
● Unpaid Utilities: Outstanding charges for water, sewer, and garbage services.
● Code Violations: Fines and penalties for violations ofmunicipal codes, which can result in substantial costs for bringing a propertyinto compliance.
● Special Assessments: Fees levied by municipalities forimprovements like street paving, which can be passed on to new owners.
● Permit Issues: Identifying any open or expired permitsthat require attention or resolution before the property can be sold ortransferred.
The #1 Title Support Platform for Municipal Lien Searches
We offer comprehensive services that cover
all aspects of title support
The Benefits of Choosing Skyline Title Support for Municipal Lien Searches
Our comprehensive Municipal Lien Search services ensure you are fully informed about any potential financial liabilities. By partnering with us, you benefit from:
● Expertise and Experience: Our team has extensive knowledge of local regulations and requirements, ensuring thorough and accurate searches.
● Timely and Detailed Reports: We provide prompt, detailed reports that give you a complete picture of any municipal liens or issues associated with the property.
● Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a clear understanding of any potential risks allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
● Expertise and Experience: Our team has extensive knowledge of local regulations and requirements, ensuring thorough and accurate searches.
● Timely and Detailed Reports: We provide prompt, detailed reports that give you a complete picture of any municipal liens or issues associated with the property.
● Peace of Mind: Knowing you have a clear understanding of any potential risks allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Feel free to contact us if you have any other other questions
What’s your standard Turnaround for a Municipal Lien Search?
Our commitment to providing swift and efficient service is paramount to us at Skyline Title Support. We understand the urgency often associated with obtaining information, and we endeavor to commence processing all orders within a 24-hour timeframe from receipt.
Should your request necessitate information from municipal sources, please be advised that the timeline may be subject to extension due to external factors beyond our control. Our typical turnaround for Municipal Lien Searches are within 2-5 Business days.
Upon initiation of your order, you will promptly receive a confirmation email detailing the estimated invoice cost and an anticipated completion date.
For inquiries regarding the estimated turnaround time prior to placing an order, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at your convenience.
Should your request necessitate information from municipal sources, please be advised that the timeline may be subject to extension due to external factors beyond our control. Our typical turnaround for Municipal Lien Searches are within 2-5 Business days.
Upon initiation of your order, you will promptly receive a confirmation email detailing the estimated invoice cost and an anticipated completion date.
For inquiries regarding the estimated turnaround time prior to placing an order, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at your convenience.
Do I need a Municipal Lien Search on a Condominium?
While numerous condominiums may operate under a master meter for utilities, it is important to note that individual units within the condominium may still be subject to code violations, Assessments and Open/Expired Permits.
What is not included in a full Municipal Lien Search?
Recorded Liens, HOA/Condo Estoppels, Zoning Verification Letters, Certificate of Occupancy, Payoff on Recorded/Unrecorded Liens.
What does lienable vs. non-lienable mean in regards to utilities balance information?
In property transactions, it's crucial to discern between lienable and non-lienable utility balances, as they can significantly impact ownership responsibilities.
Lienable Utility Balance: This type of balance remains attached to the property, irrespective of ownership transfers. It often arises from outstanding utility accounts initiated by previous property owners. Failure to address or settle this balance before closing means it becomes the buyer's responsibility.
Non-Lienable Utility Balance: Contrary to lienable balances, non-lienable balances prompt the utility company to pursue collections directly from the account holder. It's important to note that utility companies in Florida may differ in their approach to such balances.
Understanding the distinction between lienable and non-lienable balances is crucial for property buyers and sellers alike, ensuring a smooth and informed transaction process.
Lienable Utility Balance: This type of balance remains attached to the property, irrespective of ownership transfers. It often arises from outstanding utility accounts initiated by previous property owners. Failure to address or settle this balance before closing means it becomes the buyer's responsibility.
Non-Lienable Utility Balance: Contrary to lienable balances, non-lienable balances prompt the utility company to pursue collections directly from the account holder. It's important to note that utility companies in Florida may differ in their approach to such balances.
Understanding the distinction between lienable and non-lienable balances is crucial for property buyers and sellers alike, ensuring a smooth and informed transaction process.
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