Disclosed are novel tools (including, without limitation, systems, methods and software) to facilitate the sale of items of property and/or for providing title transfer services that ensure that the purchaser of the items of property (real or personal) receives adequate title to the property. In an aspect, the tools can serve as a clearinghouse for the various components to the transaction (e.g., receiving payment from the buyer, confirming that any security interest in the property has been paid off, informing the various parties to the transaction of the transaction's status, etc.).