Beginning Farmer & Land Access
Farm Title Search Checklist
A checklist for a farm title search. It lists the records and questions to review with a title company or attorney before purchasing farmland. Use it alongside advice from local advisors.
ChecklistBeginning Farmer & Land AccessFree PDF
What is on this checklist
- Current owner name
- Legal description
- Liens and mortgages
- Easements and rights of way
- Mineral and water rights
- Back taxes owed
- Boundary disputes
- Title insurance offer
- Attorney or title company contact
How to use this checklist
Use one sheet per unit, pen or field. Date it, sign it, and file the finished copy so you can look back at what was found and fixed.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA Farm Service Agency and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the farm loans, grants and taxes. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Peppermint Patty’s Farm Search, and agribusiness farm stories.