What is an O&E Report?
(Also known as Ownership & Encumbrance Report, Current Owner Report, 1-Owner, 1-deed Search).
An Ownership and Encumbrance Report shows what’s currently tied to a property from when the owner took title. It pulls from public records and includes all the key data you’d expect in a title search: the deed proving ownership, and any encumbrance on property, things like mortgages, liens, leases, easements, and more that affect property rights. It also covers property tax amounts, payment status, and upcoming deadlines.
Who uses an O&E Report?
If you’re refinancing a mortgage loan, your lender may require this report instead of a more expensive full title search. It’s also used to quickly see if there are any open liens, lawsuits, mortgages, judgments, or easements tied to the current owner.
Additionally, it helps confirm who owns the property now and flags any deed changes during their ownership, like transfers to a trust or LLC, or adding a spouse or partner to the title
Contact Form
What is included in an O&E Report?
Ownership
You'll get a copy of the full-value deed that transferred ownership from an unrelated party.
Property Tax Info
The report shows if taxes are paid or overdue, how much is owed, assessment values, and due dates for all jurisdictions tied to the property. If taxes are delinquent, you'll see exact amounts due, including any interest.
Encumbrances
All active mortgages under the current owner are listed, along with related documents (like assignments, modifications, or foreclosure actions). You'll also find liens and judgments filed against the owner or property. A good vendor will include state-specific items, like NYC's ECB violations, NJ's Upper Court judgments, PA's child support records, Miami-Dade's code violations, or MD's probate filings.
O&E Report vs. Title Search
| Feature | O&E Report | Full Title Search |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Search | Covers from when the current owner took title to the present | Covers full chain of ownership |
| Source of Information | Public county records | Public records + in-depth examination by a title company |
| Details Provided | Open mortgages, liens, judgments, tax status, deed under current ownership | All encumbrances, complete ownership history, legal description, and more |
| Used For | Quick reference, refinancing, and ownership check | Real estate closings, title insurance, and legal verification of ownership |
| Includes Title Insurance? | No | Yes |
| Time to Complete | 1–3 business days | Varies (typically 3–7 business days, depending on complexity) |
| Cost | $60–$90 | Higher (varies by location and title company) |
| Best For | Covers from when the current owner took title to the present | Covers full chain of ownership |
Still unsure which option best suits your needs? Contact us, and we’ll help you choose the right report for your situation.
How fast can an O&E Report be completed?
Usually within 1–3 business days.
What is the cost of an O&E Report?
Expect to pay $60–$90, depending on the state and county. Some counties have easy-to-access online records, which makes owner and encumbrance searches faster and cheaper. Others still require someone to visit the recorder’s office to access data. Even in states that advertise online access, many counties require in-person searches or charge for costly subscriptions to view land records.
Our latest Case Studies
You’re not alone! These companies had all of the problems managing title work that you do. See how they solved them.
Foreclosure Law Firm
Tax Authority Consulting Services is a foreclosure law firm that assists Virginia counties in the collection of seriously delinquent property taxes.
Read More
Renewable Energy Development
UGE, a developer of utility-scale solar projects, nationally.
Read More
Private Lender
Constitution Lending – Funding commercial & residential real estate investors, nationally.
Read More