What is the primary role of a title company in real estate transactions?

The primary role of a title company in real estate transactions is to conduct title searches and issue title insurance. Title companies play a crucial part in ensuring that the title to a property is clear, meaning there are no liens, claims, or disputes over ownership. They perform thorough searches of public records to verify the legal ownership of the property and identify any potential issues that could affect the sale.

Additionally, title insurance is issued to protect buyers and lenders from any future claims against the property that may not have been uncovered during the title search. This protection is vital for ensuring that the buyer has a secured interest in the property without the risk of unforeseen complications arising after the purchase.

The other options refer to different services that are not typically associated with title companies. Managing rental properties is a function of property management firms, providing legal advice is the role of attorneys, and property appraisals are conducted by licensed appraisers, all of which differ from the specific functions of a title company.