Attorney Title Research
Comprehensive property research for real estate attorneys handling transactions.
Real estate attorneys handling NYC transactions require thorough property research that goes beyond title searches. Understanding a property's violation history, tax status, zoning compliance, permit activity, and agency actions is essential for advising clients, identifying deal risks, and ensuring clean closings.
The Challenge
Traditional title research focuses on ownership and encumbrances recorded at ACRIS but may miss open DOB violations with ECB penalties, pending agency actions, non-conforming uses, expired certificates, or delinquent taxes. Attorneys who rely solely on title searches expose their clients to post-closing surprises that comprehensive property research would have uncovered.
How RegWatch Helps
RegWatch supplements traditional title searches with comprehensive property intelligence from 11+ agencies. Attorneys can quickly verify that a property is free of material violations, confirm zoning compliance, check tax status, and identify any pending agency actions that could affect the transaction.
Step-by-Step Workflow
Run a full property report
Generate a comprehensive report covering violations, permits, tax, zoning, C of O, and ownership data.
Check for open violations and penalties
Review DOB, HPD, ECB violations. Open ECB cases may carry financial penalties that survive transfer.
Verify zoning and C of O compliance
Confirm the current use is consistent with the certificate of occupancy and zoning designation.
Review tax and lien status
Check for tax liens, water/sewer charges, and assessment accuracy. Identify any exemptions that may not transfer.
Cross-reference title records
Compare ACRIS deed and mortgage records with other agency data for consistency and completeness.
Advise your client
Use the complete property picture to identify risks, negotiate terms, and ensure a clean closing.
Key Benefits
- Supplement title searches with comprehensive agency data
- Identify open violations and penalty exposure pre-closing
- Verify zoning and C of O compliance
- Check tax status and lien position
- Generate shareable reports for clients and opposing counsel
Related Tools
Ready to Get Started?
Complete property intelligence from 250+ sources. Violations, permits, tax records, zoning, title data, and more.