Which party is typically responsible for providing a clear title to the buyer in a sale?

In a typical sale transaction, the seller is responsible for providing a clear title to the buyer. This entails ensuring that the title to the property is free from any encumbrances, such as liens or claims from third parties, thereby confirming that the seller has the legal right to transfer ownership of the property.

This responsibility is crucial because it protects the buyer from future legal issues or disputes regarding ownership. A clear title signifies that the property can be sold without any complications, which is essential for the buyer's peace of mind and investment security.

While other parties like real estate agents and title companies play supportive roles—such as facilitating the transaction and conducting title searches—they do not hold the primary obligation to deliver the title itself. The buyer, on the other hand, typically does not have the means to provide a title, as they are the party purchasing the property. Therefore, it is the seller who shoulders the responsibility of ensuring that the title is clear and marketable at the time of sale.