A title search is conducted to make sure that the seller has the legal authority to sell the property.  In North Carolina, the title search typically goes back 30-40 years and searches all of the prior owners during that time.  The search examines how each owner got the property and what each owner did with the property.  The examination looks for liens against the property, judgments, estates and any other information that may affect the title to the property.  It is absolutely critical that a thorough title search be completed by someone who knows what to look for.  If a title search is not done correctly, your ownership of the property may be compromised.  A good title search could save you thousands of dollars down the road.