In the context of title insurance, what does "examination" usually refer to?

In the context of title insurance, "examination" primarily refers to a review of the title abstract. The title abstract is a comprehensive summary of the historical ownership and legal status of a property, including any liens, encumbrances, or claims that may affect the title. This examination is a crucial step in the title insurance process, as it helps to determine if the title is clear and marketable.

By closely reviewing the title abstract, title examiners can uncover potential issues that might jeopardize the ownership rights of the buyer or the lender. This thorough analysis ensures that any defects in the title are identified and can be addressed before a policy is issued, thereby protecting the parties involved from future disputes.

Other options, while related to aspects of property and land transactions, do not align with the specific actions taken during a title examination. For instance, assessing land value and determining property taxes are valuable processes in real estate, but they are not directly related to the process of title examination, which is focused on verifying and ensuring clear title ownership.