Buying a home in South Tampa’s ZIP Code 33609 is an exciting opportunity, but there is more to a successful purchase than finding the right floor plan, neighborhood, and price. One of the most important steps happens behind the scenes: making sure the property has a clean and insurable title.
After more than 40 years of combined real estate experience, Emeri and Joe Lewkowicz have seen firsthand why buyers should never overlook this part of the transaction. A title issue may not be visible during a showing or home inspection, but it can create significant complications if it is not identified and resolved before closing.
Start With the Public Records
One of the first steps is reviewing the property's public records. Hillsborough County provides access to official records, including documents involving deeds, liens, and other matters affecting property ownership. Buyers can also research parcel information through the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
“As buyers, you want to know exactly what you are purchasing and whether anyone else could have a legal claim against the property,” Emeri and Joe explain.
The property's ownership history, recorded mortgages, liens, judgments, and other recorded documents can provide important clues. A complicated ownership history does not automatically mean there is a problem, but it is a reason to have the title professionally reviewed.
Look for Liens and Other Encumbrances
Potential title problems can include unpaid taxes, contractor or construction liens, prior mortgages, judgment liens, easements, restrictive covenants, or notices of pending litigation. Florida's Department of Financial Services specifically identifies these types of issues as potential title defects or clouds on title.
This is particularly important when purchasing an older South Tampa property. A home may have changed hands multiple times or undergone renovations over the years. The physical condition of the property may look perfect, while an unresolved issue remains in the public record.
Joe often reminds buyers that what you can see during a showing is only part of the story. The paperwork behind the property matters just as much.
Pay Attention to Easements and Property Rights
Buyers should also understand whether other parties have legal rights affecting the property. Easements, access rights, restrictions, encroachments, and other recorded agreements can affect how an owner uses or develops a property.
For example, an easement could provide another party with a legal right to use a portion of the property. That may be perfectly acceptable—or it could matter considerably to a buyer planning an addition, pool, fence, or other improvement.
This is where having experienced local guidance can make a difference. Emeri and Joe encourage buyers to ask questions early rather than discovering an issue immediately before closing.
Let the Title Professional Do the Deep Review
A professional title search is one of the most important protections in the transaction. Florida's Department of Financial Services explains that a title search compiles information from official records regarding documents affecting the property. A title agent then evaluates the records and works through potential problems before issuing the title commitment and policy.
Buyers should carefully review the title commitment, particularly any exceptions listed in Schedule B. These exceptions identify matters that may not be covered by the title policy.
At The Lewkowicz Group, Emeri and Joe believe buyers should never hesitate to ask their real estate agent, title professional, or attorney to explain anything they do not understand.
Don't Wait Until Closing
The best time to identify a potential title issue is before closing—not at the closing table.
For buyers considering a property in South Tampa ZIP Code 33609, Emeri and Joe recommend making title review an important part of the due-diligence process. With more than four decades of combined experience navigating Tampa real estate, they know that protecting your investment starts well before you receive the keys.
A beautiful South Tampa home is only truly valuable when you can confidently own it. Working with an experienced real estate team and qualified title professionals can help uncover potential issues early, giving you more time to address them and move toward closing with confidence.
