Release tracking is a service that searches through official records to confirm that instruments identified in the Title Commitment have been properly recorded within a stipulated contractual time which ranges from 30–90days.

For example, mortgages, HELOCs, judgment liens, lis pendens, or financing statements require documents such as satisfactions, releases, terminations, cancellations, or subordinations after a real estate transaction.

Release tracking is an important post closing due diligence service that ensures peace of mind for property owners by making sure that the title is recorded and cleared.

PropLogix 2023 State of the Title Industry Report found that 10% of respondents have no standard process for tracking instrument recordings after closing. Any lack of release tracking will negatively impact future transactions and muddies the public record for everyone.

Release tracking helps to protect property owners from title defects but it also makes clearing and insuring title for transactions faster and easier. When a mortgage or other lien is paid, the lender is supposed to record a satisfaction of the lien which formally releases the debtor from the debt. However, this does not always happen. If the lien is not released, it can cloud the title to the property, which could make it difficult to sell or refinance the property in the future.

Release tracking can help to prevent this by ensuring that all liens are properly released. It can also help to identify any liens that have not been released, so that they can be cured.

In order to address the problem, it’s imperative that every company issuing title policies has a clear written process on who, when, and how release tracking will be conducted after closing as well as proper training for staff.

Here at the Wicked Title Forum we strive to make that easy. Members keep reading to gain access to training materials and standard operating procedures. Inside you’ll find…