buying a house - activities pre-offer?, page-19

Simply look on the Certificate of Title which should be provided with the Offer and Acceptance.

On the Certificate of Title you will be alerted to any encumbrances and mortgages placed on the property.

Encumbrances are usually imposed by a utilities company, to alert the property owner to an easement. An easement is an access point.

You can request information about encumbrances form the Land Titles Office.

The Land Titles Office in each State is located here