I provide a "no-find" sheet to all my clients - if a mortgage is not found - it does not require to be as specific as a current owner - usually just date filed, amount, lender and whether or not it was satisfied.  It kind of tells the client that the new one didn't get filed and the old one hasn't been released, i.e., something wrong happened.  It really doesn't take anymore time than if I had to order a doc, wait in line and come home and either scan or fax it.