In regards to real estate and buying a home, a title is the legal document which provides for the lawful ownership of the house and property in question. Home titles will also provide for more than just the name and information of the owner, but will also provide for a description of the property and home so as to distinguish it from others. Home titles are issued in the event that a person is buying a home or selling a home. The act of buying a home signifies a transfer of ownership, which means that home titles must be given to the appropriate owners. However, there are certain cases that a person is buying a home but will not be given the title to hold. This situation arises in the case that a home loan or mortgage is used to purchase the home. In such a case, the lending institution will hold the home titles until the loans are paid off.