Can You Sell a Home with a Clouded Title?

Selling a home can already be a complicated process, but when there is a cloud on the title, the situation becomes even more difficult. A clouded title refers to any recorded issue that affects the legal ownership or transferability of real property. This may include unresolved liens, ownership disputes, errors in public records, or an old mortgage that was never properly released. These issues usually must be resolved before a buyer can safely proceed, and most lenders in Florida will not approve financing for a property with a defective title. At Nishad Khan P.L. , we help clients throughout Central Florida clear title issues and move forward with a successful transaction.

What Causes a Title to Become Clouded?

There are many reasons a title may be clouded, and not all of them are immediately apparent. Unpaid property taxes, contractor liens, divorce proceedings, inheritance disputes, and clerical errors in deeds can all prevent a title from being legally clean. These issues are typically discovered during the title search phase of a real estate transaction. While some problems may be minor and easily corrected, others can significantly delay or even derail a sale.

Fortunately, many of these problems can be resolved with the assistance of a real estate attorney. An attorney can help obtain missing documents, file corrective deeds, negotiate lien releases, or initiate a quiet title action when ownership is in dispute. Addressing these issues early is often the key to avoiding failed closings and reducing stress for both sellers and buyers.

How a Clouded Title Affects the Sale

A clouded title typically prevents a seller from transferring full ownership rights to a buyer. Title insurance companies often refuse to issue a policy when ownership is uncertain, and buyers are less likely to proceed with a transaction under those circumstances. As a result, sellers may be forced to pause or cancel the sale until the defect is resolved.

A real estate lawyer in Orlando can guide sellers through this process by reviewing the title report, identifying the cause of the defect, and taking the necessary legal steps to correct it. In some cases, this may require cooperation from past owners, lenders, or third parties who still hold claims on the property.

If you’re facing a delayed sale due to a title issue, contact us today to learn how we can help restore a clear title and get your transaction back on track.

Legal Tools to Clear Title Defects

The proper legal solution depends on the specific problem. If a lien was filed in error, an attorney can work with the lienholder to have it formally released. If the issue arises from a deceased owner with no clear estate plan, the property may need to go through probate before it can be transferred. In other cases, a quiet title action may be necessary to legally confirm ownership and remove adverse claims.

Working with a Florida property attorney ensures that these steps are handled correctly and efficiently. At our firm, we regularly assist homeowners, title companies, and real estate agents in resolving title defects, allowing sales to proceed smoothly. Visit our practice areas page to see how we support clients in all phases of real estate transactions.

Why Early Legal Intervention Matters

A clouded title is more than just an inconvenience. It can block financing, delay closings, and create disputes that affect both buyer confidence and seller outcomes. Many title issues can be prevented or minimized when legal counsel is involved early in the process. Whether the problem is technical, tied to past ownership, or rooted in public record errors, resolving it promptly reduces the risk of last-minute problems at the closing table.

The Attorneys and Nishad Khan P.L. frequently assist with curative title work across Central Florida. We help clients respond to title objections, correct filing errors, and remove legal obstacles that can impact the sale. For answers to common questions about title and closing issues, visit our FAQ page.

 Finalizing the Sale With Legal Accuracy

Selling a home with a clouded title can lead to significant delays, missed opportunities, or even canceled deals. At Nishad Khan, we work with sellers to resolve title concerns promptly and effectively. From identifying the source of the problem to executing corrective legal action, our firm helps you move forward with confidence. If a title defect is threatening your transaction, contact us today to speak with a trusted attorney at Nishad Khan P.L. and find out how we can help you clear the path to a successful closing.