A title is the foundation of property ownership, and because land is permanent and can have many owners over the years, various rights in land may have been acquired by others (such as mineral, air or utility rights) by the time you come into possession of it. A title search is a detailed examination of the historical records concerning a property. The purpose of the search is to verify the seller's right to transfer ownership, and to protect the buyer from any claims, defects, rights or burdens on the property. Among these are unpaid taxes, unsatisfied mortgages, judgments against the seller, and restrictions limiting the use of the land.