{"ok":true,"canonical_url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/title-work","api_url":"https://dealroom.so/api/public/glossary/title-work","data_freshness":{"sba_records_through":"2026-05-31","fdic_records_through":"2026-03-31","dealroom_last_updated":"2026-06-15","timezone":"America/Chicago"},"source_summary":["Public SBA 7(a) loan records","FDIC institution data","DealRoom lender and franchise enrichment"],"term":{"slug":"title-work","term":"Title work","group":"Doing the deal","definition":"This refers to the process of examining public records to ensure that the seller has clear, marketable ownership of any real estate involved in the deal. It's essential to confirm you'll receive undisputed ownership.","what_it_means":"If the acquisition includes real estate, the lender will require a title search and title insurance to protect their collateral. Ensure any title defects or existing mortgages are cleared before closing, so you don't inherit unexpected claims or delays.","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/title-work","official_sources":[],"related":[{"slug":"lien","term":"Lien","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/lien"},{"slug":"mortgage","term":"Mortgage","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/mortgage"},{"slug":"enforceable-lien","term":"Enforceable lien","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/enforceable-lien"},{"slug":"owner-occupied-commercial-real-estate","term":"Owner-occupied commercial real estate","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/owner-occupied-commercial-real-estate"}],"related_questions":[{"question":"What exactly is an SBA 7(a) loan and how does it work?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-exactly-is-an-sba-7-a-loan-and-how-does-it-work"},{"question":"What is an SBA 7(a) loan and how does it generally work?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-is-an-sba-7-a-loan-and-how-does-it-generally-work"},{"question":"Does my past work experience matter when applying for an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/does-my-past-work-experience-matter-when-applying-for-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"What exactly is an SBA 7(a) loan, and how does it work for small businesses?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-exactly-is-an-sba-7-a-loan-and-how-does-it-work-for-small-businesses"},{"question":"What if my business is purchasing a franchise; how does that work with an SBA 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/sba-loans/basics/what-if-my-business-is-purchasing-a-franchise-how-does-that-work-with-an-sba-7-a-loan"},{"question":"Is an individual without permanent resident status, but with a valid U.S. work visa, eligible for a 7(a) loan?","url":"https://dealroom.so/for-lenders/questions/is-an-individual-without-permanent-resident-status-but-with-a-valid-u-s-work-visa-eligible"}]},"caveats":["Definitions represent DealRoom's plain-English interpretation for buyers; verify regulatory terms against the official SBA and eCFR sources listed.","Not legal, tax, or financial advice, and not an SBA eligibility determination."],"citation":{"label":"DealRoom.so Glossary — Title work","url":"https://dealroom.so/glossary/title-work","source_type":"DealRoom Data"}}