When to do a title search?
There are a bunch of legal issues involved in any transfer of real property. I think one of the biggest misconceptions that people have relates to the process of "title search" and "when to do a title search". I always would advice that a title search be done by a knowledge individual in real estate law before signing any contract. A person should really know what he/she is bargaining for before entering into contractual obligations.
I have seen to many people stuck in a bad position having entered into a contract before a title search and sometimes even without any title search at all. While title insurance is great and all, it does NOT automatically eliminate everyone from their contractual obligtions!
So to answer your question, get an experience real estate expert (non-generic personnel who will not make mistakes) to do a title search before signing anything.