Every property has a recorded history. Learn how a Minnesota title search examines ownership, deeds, liens, easements, and other property records.
Every property has a history. Over the years, it may have changed owners, been used as collateral for a mortgage, or had easements and other interests recorded against it. When that property becomes part of a real estate transaction, those records can become an important piece of the bigger picture.
A title search in Minnesota looks into that recorded history. It provides information about who has owned the property and identifies documents or interests that may be connected to it.
What Is a Title Search?
A title search is a review of public records associated with a specific piece of real estate.
Those records can stretch back through previous property owners and transactions, creating a history of how the title has changed over time. Depending on the property, a title search may uncover:
Since no two properties have exactly the same history, the records involved in each title search can look different.
Looking Back at a Property’s Ownership
A property’s ownership history can include years—or even decades—of recorded documents.
Deeds show transfers from one owner to another, while other records may show interests that became associated with the property along the way. Together, those documents help create a picture of the property’s title.
This history is one of the main things examined during a Minnesota real estate title search.
What Are Title Issues?
The phrase title issue can refer to different matters involving the ownership of a property or other recorded interests connected to it.
For example, records may show a lien, an easement, a previous mortgage, or another document affecting the property. In other situations, questions may arise from an earlier transfer of ownership.
The types of title matters that appear depend entirely on the property’s individual history.
Easements and Property Records
An easement is one example of an interest that may show up in property records.
Generally speaking, an easement gives another person or entity certain rights involving the use of a portion of the property. Easements may be connected to access, utilities, neighboring land, or other uses.
Because these interests are tied to real estate, they can remain part of the property’s recorded history as ownership changes.
Liens Can Also Appear in a Title Search
Liens are another type of record commonly associated with title research.
A lien generally represents a legal claim or financial interest connected to a property. Different circumstances can result in liens appearing in public records.
When a title search is completed, recorded liens can appear alongside deeds, mortgages, easements, and other documents associated with the property.
Where Does a Title Search Fit Into a Real Estate Transaction?
Title work is commonly part of the process leading up to a real estate closing in Minnesota.
During that time, many different pieces of the transaction may be moving forward at once. Financing, purchase agreement terms, inspections, closing documents, and title matters can all be part of the overall transaction.
The title search focuses specifically on the property’s recorded ownership and other interests associated with the real estate.
Title Search vs. Title Opinion
A title search and a title opinion are closely connected, but they aren’t the same thing.
The title search is the process of examining the public records associated with the property.
A title opinion is a legal opinion concerning the status of the title based on the records that have been reviewed.
Put simply, one involves gathering and examining the property’s recorded history, while the other addresses the legal status of the title based on that information.
Every Property Tells a Different Story
One of the interesting things about title work is that every piece of real estate comes with its own history.
A property that has changed ownership several times may have a long trail of recorded documents. Another may have easements, liens, mortgages, or other interests that have become part of the record over time.
A title search brings those records together and provides a clearer view of the history behind the property.
Final Thoughts
A title search in Minnesota is more than simply confirming the name of the current property owner. It’s a review of the public record that can reveal previous ownership, deeds, mortgages, liens, easements, and other recorded interests connected to the real estate.
That history becomes one part of the larger picture when property is bought, sold, or transferred.
At Borden, Steinbauer, Krueger & Knudson, P.A., we assist clients with title matters and real estate transactions in the Brainerd Lakes Area and throughout Minnesota.
Born and raised in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Sam is thrilled to return to Central Minnesota after passing the bar exam in 2024. Sam's diverse experience spans roles with the Douglas County Attorney’s Office (Civil Division), a Nebraska lobbying firm, Hudl, and the University of Nebraska Civil Clinic. Through these positions, he gained valuable exposure to various areas of law, including civil litigation, policy advocacy, and client counseling. Early in his legal career, Sam is eager to leverage his skills and experiences to deliver effective and personalized legal solutions for BSKK’s clients.
Areas of Practice:
- Business Litigation
- Construction Litigation
- Property Law & Real Estate
- Contract Disputes
- Personal Injury
- Probate/Trust Disputes
- Landlord/Tenant
- Family Law
Education:
- University of Nebraska College of Law, Lincoln, Nebraska, 2024, J.D.
- Concentration in Real Estate and Business Transactions
- North Dakota State University, Fargo, North Dakota, 2019, B.S.
- Honors: Magna Cum Laude
- Majors: Political Science and Management Communication
Bar Admissions:
- Minnesota 2024
Professional Memberships:
- Minnesota State Bar Association
David V. Hurt is a seasoned litigator who has been advocating for individuals, families, and businesses across Minnesota since 2012. His practice is rooted in a practical, results-driven approach that blends strategic litigation with thoughtful dispute resolution. David's clients trust him to navigate complex legal issues with clarity, efficiency, and unwavering commitment.
He began his legal career clerking for the Honorable John G. Melbye in the Ninth Judicial District of Minnesota, where he gained invaluable perspective on trial practice and judicial reasoning. Since then, he has built a diverse portfolio of experience at firms in Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania—litigating matters ranging from corporate and construction disputes to aviation claims.
David’s practice spans a wide range of civil matters, including business formation and litigation, real estate and land use disputes, probate and trust litigation, and family law. He is particularly experienced in resolving high-conflict disputes and routinely employs alternative dispute resolution strategies to secure favorable outcomes for his clients while minimizing cost and disruption.
Areas of Practice:
Education:
Bar Admissions:
Professional Affiliations:
Virginia "Ginny" Knudson represents individuals and businesses in various areas of law, including, estate planning and probate, business and corporate, real estate, and governmental relations. Ginny provides mediation services in divorce and custody, especially for business owners and high wage-earners, as well as for real estate, probate and business disputes. Ginny has been selected as a top attorney by Minnesota Super Lawyer Magazine from for 13 years.
Areas of Practice:
– Estate planning
– Business and corporate
– Real estate and landlord representation
– Probate disputes, guardianships and conservatorships
– Municipal and governmental relations
-- Mediation
Education:
– University of Minnesota Law School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1994, J.D.
– Honors: Cum Laude
– University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1991, B.A.
– Honors: Summa Cum Laude
– Honors: Aquinas Scholar
– Major: Economics, Spanish, Minor: Business
Bar Admissions:
– Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. District Court District of Minnesota, 1994
– U.S. Court of Appeals 8th Circuit, 1996
Professional Memberships:
– St. Francis Church Finance Council, 2004–present, Chair and Trustee
- Essentia-St. Joseph's Medical Center, Directors Council, 2020-present
- Lakes Area Music Festival Board, Board Member 2022-present
– Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, 2016-2022, Board Member and Chair
– Mount Ski Gull, Board Member, 2014-2019
– Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615
– Zonta International, 1999–2018
– Jaycees, Brainerd, 1998–1999
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 2000–2001, President
– Aitkin/Crow Wing County Bar Association, 1999–2000, Vice-President
Patrick has been practicing law since 1980, dedicating over 90% of his career to representing personal injury victims and their families, as well as handling a wide range of civil litigation matters. He is a Certified Trial Specialist recognized by the Minnesota Bar Association and was named a leading American attorney in personal injury law by the American Research Corporation. His professional excellence also earned him recognition as a Super Lawyer by Minnesota Law & Politics, placing him among the top six percent of attorneys in Minnesota.
Pat is enjoying a well-deserved retirement after 40+ years of practice. We thank Pat for his years of dedication to the firm and his service to the Brainerd Lakes Area. His legacy is marked by a deep commitment to justice, compassion for clients, and significant contributions to the legal profession.
Areas of Practice (during his active years):
Plaintiff’s Personal Injury
Civil Litigation
Real Estate Litigation
Construction Litigation
Contract Litigation
Mediation and Arbitration
Education:
– University of North Dakota School of Law, Grand Forks, ND – J.D., 1980
- Honors: Graduate of the Year, Bruce Inn
- North Dakota Law Review, 1979–1980
– Concordia College, Moorhead, MN – B.A., 1974
- Major: Business Administration / Hospital Administration
Bar Admissions:
Minnesota, 1980
U.S. District Court, District of Minnesota, 1981
Professional Memberships:
American Bar Association, Member
Minnesota State Bar Association, Member
American Association for Justice, Member
Minnesota Association for Justice, Member
Crow Wing-Aitkin County Bar Association, Past President
Brainerd Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member
Brainerd Jaycees, Past President (1981–1982)
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Brainerd Lodge #615, Past Exalted Ruler
P.O.R.T. Group Home, Past Member, Board of Directors
