It is the buyer who is legally responsible for knowing the condition of the title to the property. The buyer has the right to go to a title company and have the title checked. There are thousands of title companies in the United States.
A title company will go back through the title and all the owners and make sure that the title is free and clear of liens. This needs to be done before signing the final paperwork on the property. This is all public record and the buyer can even do this themselves. The cost of the title company will vary depending on location. The buyer is responsible for paying the title company and any fees incurred.
