What are liens, easements, and other claims of ownership on property considered?

Liens, easements, and other claims of ownership on property are classified as title defects because they represent encumbrances or limitations on the ownership rights of a property. A title defect refers to any issue that clouds the title of a property, which could impair the owner's ability to transfer clear title.

Liens are legal claims against a property due to unpaid debts and can affect the transferability of the property until they are resolved. Easements give other parties the right to use a portion of the property for specific purposes, which can restrict the owner's use of that area. Other claims of ownership, such as unresolved disputes or unclear property lines, can also create defects in the title that could complicate future sales or financing.

Understanding that these elements impact the ownership and marketability of the property is crucial for real estate professionals, as they must be aware of any possible defects in a title before a transaction is completed. Hence, the correct classification of these issues as title defects reflects their nature and the potential issues they can create in real estate dealings.