Which term describes issues that come up with regards to title and title insurance?

The term "clouds" refers to issues or claims against a property’s title that may affect its value or ownership. These clouds can include anything from unpaid property taxes, legal encumbrances, liens, or disputes over boundaries. When such issues arise, they can complicate or hinder the transfer of ownership. Title insurance is designed to protect property owners and lenders from financial loss due to these issues, ensuring that any clouds on the title are addressed.

In contrast, other terms like title breaks and spreads do not have established meanings in the context of title and title insurance. "Lis pendens," which refers to a pending legal action that may affect the title to a property, also denotes a specific legal situation rather than a general term for title issues. Therefore, referring to such title-related complications as "clouds" is the most accurate and widely accepted terminology in the field of real estate.