A title report—also known as a title commitment or binder—is a document that contains the results of a title search and describes the legal status of a piece of real property (estate). A title report usually includes a legal description of the property and information on ownership of the property (the chain of title or ownership history).

A title report also includes a list of any easements, liens, encumbrances, and other information affecting title to the property as of that date—which are known as title defects or defects.

A title report will also include relevant zoning laws, the appraised value of the property, current tax information, and any open or unreleased mortgages.

A person considering buying a piece of property may be able to find this information in the local county records (county tax assessor’s office, courthouse) but most experts recommend a potential buyer enlist the services of a title officer at a title company.

In New Hampshire (NH), a title report is a critical document for real estate transactions. It provides a detailed account of the property's legal status, including ownership history, legal description, and any claims or encumbrances on the property, such as easements, liens, and other title defects. The report also encompasses information on zoning laws, property valuation, tax details, and any outstanding mortgages. While individuals can access some of this information through local county records, such as the county tax assessor's office or courthouse, it is generally advised to engage the services of a title officer from a title company. This is because title officers are skilled in identifying and interpreting the various legal and technical aspects of property records. They ensure that the potential buyer is fully informed of any issues that could affect their ownership rights. In NH, title companies and attorneys often work together to provide comprehensive title services, including title searches and the issuance of title insurance to protect against future claims.