What Is a NYC Title Search?
A title search examines the public records associated with a property to verify legal ownership and uncover any claims, liens, or encumbrances. In New York City, title records are primarily maintained through ACRIS (Automated City Register Information System), the city's official recording system for real property transfer documents.
Traditional title searches in NYC cost between $250 and $500 per property and can take 3-7 business days. Title companies and real estate attorneys typically order these through abstract companies that manually research and compile the reports. RegWatch covers 9.4 million+ properties across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut — generating instant title abstracts from $15.
Instant Title Abstracts with RegWatch
RegWatch generates comprehensive title abstract reports by pulling and organizing ACRIS data with daily refresh. Each abstract includes:
- Current ownership and vesting
- Complete chain of title (deed transfers)
- Active mortgages and assignments
- UCC filings and satisfaction records
- Tax liens and DOF balances
- Judgments and lis pendens
- Building violations and open permits
- Zoning and land use restrictions
- Certificate of occupancy status
- Environmental flags
- Executive summary with risk assessment
Each abstract is available as a professionally formatted PDF, ready for client presentations, closings, and due diligence packages.
Title Search vs. Title Abstract: What's the Difference?
A title search is the process of examining public records. A title abstract is the written summary of what was found. RegWatch automates both — searching ACRIS and 10 other city databases, then generating a structured abstract report.
While RegWatch provides powerful preliminary research, it's important to note that our reports are not a substitute for title insurance. They're ideal for deal screening, pre-acquisition due diligence, portfolio monitoring, and quick-turnaround client requests.
What You Get with RegWatch
- Comprehensive professional title abstracts
- ACRIS deed and mortgage history
- Lien and judgment detection
- Chain of title visualization
- PDF export for client deliverables
- Bulk title search capability
- Reports from $15 — vs. $250-500 traditional abstracts
- Results in under 3 seconds
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I run a title search in NYC?
Enter any NYC address or BBL into RegWatch. Click "Generate Title Abstract" to receive a comprehensive report pulling from ACRIS and 10 other city databases.
Is this the same as a traditional title abstract?
RegWatch abstracts cover the same data points as traditional abstracts (ownership, deeds, mortgages, liens, violations) but are generated instantly from public records. They are not a substitute for title insurance.
How much does a title search cost on RegWatch?
Reports are $15 for the Full Analysis report (includes title). Compare that to $250-500 for a traditional title abstract.
Can I export title abstracts as PDF?
Yes. Every title abstract can be exported as a professional PDF suitable for client presentations, closings, and due diligence packages.
How long does a RegWatch title abstract take?
Under 3 seconds. Enter an address and get a comprehensive title abstract instantly, compared to 3-7 business days for traditional abstracts.
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