Who Does the Title Search

I know you sent in the name of your state, but unfortunately it didn't come up in the form I'm using to answer you, which is too bad. That's because closing procedures vary widely across the country.  In some areas the details are handled by title companies or escrow companies, in a few states by lawyers.  At any rate, someone should be searching the title on the buyer's behalf (I assume that's you), but it should be done by a professional.  It is considered the seller's duty to prove clear title to the buyer's satisfaction, but it shouldn't be done by amateurs.