Why Accurate Title Work is Important

While property title problems are uncommon, they are devastating when they come to light. Accurate title work ensures these problems don’t arise. It is important to understand that accurate title work helps you avoid consequences down the line. Here are a few inaccuracies to keep an eye out for when assessing the accuracy of your title work.  

Errors in Public Records

Filing and clerical errors have the ability to directly negatively affect your property. Furthermore, when found, they can undergo financial implications in order to resolve them. Whether the public record was filing incorrectly, or it was due to foul play, the error has the potential to be devastating on your ownership.

Undocumented Chain of Title

The chain of title is incredibly important in deeming the rightful owner of the property. If it comes to light that a prior owner and writer of a title documented their title illegal, it will cause problems down the line. For instance, if the prior ownership is questioned on legitimacy, yours will be in line for questioning because it was sold to you by a chain of improperly documented titles.

Liens

Liens are legal claims to ownership listed on the title of your home. Prior owners of your property may not have taken note of bills owed and even though the debt they owe is not yours, banks and utilities companies can place liens on your new property.

Forgery

Forgery falls into the category of errors in public record. However, unlike most cases for errors in public records, forgery is often intentional and is a result of dishonesty in the system. Forgeries can go as far as preventing the rightful ownership of the property through fabricated documents. If the documents surrounding your property are deemed forged, your rights as an owner may be at stake.

Survey and Boundary Disputes

Survey and boundary disputes are times in which pieces of property can encroach on other’s land. These circumstances are often referred to as encroachments and a proper title should bring these to light prior to closing on a property.

Unknown Will

If a property owner passes away without a rightful heir available, the state then sells their home. However, if years later a will is discovered and it deems a responsible heir, your rights as a homeowner will be at risk for being overturned to the newfound heir.