5 Common Title Issues We Can Help You Resolve

Title 101 with ClearMark Title

Records of real estate ownership transfer, such as buying or selling a property, are stored in searchable archives. Records of other events that may affect the ownership of a property, such as liens or levies, are also archived as public records.  ClearMark Title conducts timely and extensive public records searches to proactively identify potential issues with a property’s ownership history.  Should an issue arise during a title search, our ClearMark Title team will work collaboratively with everyone involved in the transaction for a timely resolution.

Our goal at ClearMark Title is to uncover and help to resolve potential title issues at the earliest moment possible in a new transaction.

Here are some of the more prevalent issues we’re proud to have handled for our clients well before closing day.

Human Error

Crazy, but true!  Public records can fall victim to basic human error, which can significantly delay the clearing of title.  This is perhaps the most frustrating of issues as the impact of such errors vary greatly.  This means that there’s no one size fits all solution.  This also means all the more reason to work with a company who will calmly and expertly go to bat for you to resolve.

Missing Heir

Wills are intended to direct the transfer of ownership in the event of a property owner’s death but we have seen previously unknown heirs come forward, even after a period of time, and make claims to a property’s ownership.  This can get tricky.  Let us help in instances of missing heirs.  You don’t want a title partner who isn’t familiar with overcoming this type of ownership hurdle.

Fraud

Falsified information and forged signatures on property or related legal documents can mean massive headaches for prospective property owners.  You deserve a title partner who won’t run away when things get complicated and that’s the kind of partner we are proud to be.

Liens

A previous property owner’s outstanding debts may mean a liens filed against the property.  Liens may be the result of unpaid child support, property or income taxes, or unpaid contractor work (aka mechanic’s liens).  Our team has seen it all.  We’ll work with everyone involved to keep the transaction moving forward, while addressing unresolved issues like liens.

Easements

The most common type of easements we see are shared driveways and utility easements.  An easement means that someone besides the property owner has permission to access the property for a specific purpose, which of course prospective new owners need to know ahead of time.  We always search for easements, especially local municipality easements, to avoid unnecessary surprises on, or even after, closing day!

Has a title issue recently popped up on your property?  Not to worry! Our goal is to produce clear title with far less stress for everyone involved.

Consult with your real estate professional and be sure to open your next title order with us!

Everything we do at ClearMark Title is in accordance with our carefully crafted set of core values: Consistency.  Clarity.  Technology.  Passion.