5 Hidden Title Problems You May Run into As a Homeowner
There are many hidden errors and problems that you can encounter as the owner of a new property. These hidden errors and problems are why you, as a new homeowner, should invest in title insurance at the Lake of the Ozarks through Arrowhead Title, Inc. Title insurance makes sure that all these potential hazards are covered, and you are protected as a property owner. At our Lake of the Ozarks title insurance company, we work to help provide you with title services and handle your funds with the utmost integrity. We have written this blog to educate property and homeowners on some of the hidden title problems that can occur, even after the purchase has been finalized.
1. Errors in Public Records:
Human error is an unavoidable occurrence. Errors in the recording of information sometimes will occur at the County Clerk’s Office. For, example, names can easily be misspelled. Errors and confusion can also result when there are quite a few documented former homeowners’ who have similar names or spell their names in a similar fashion. Another public record error that at times can occur involves the map that is attached to the policy; the map may not show the correct location of the land/property according to the public records, or the location may not match what is on file at the County Clerk’s Office.
2. Missing Heirs or an Undiscovered Will:
When the former owner of a property dies, at times their heirs may be either missing or unknown at the time of death. After the death of a former property owner, a will or heir may not be found at all; in this instance, the state may sell their assets (this includes the home). After many years (and new property ownership) the will may come to light or the unknown heirs may appear. In this case, your rights as the new property owner may be jeopardized. Family members of the deceased may decide to contest the will – this can also occur long after you have purchased the property.
3. Land Survey Disputes:
When you purchase a property, you may have seen many surveys of the land before-hand. However, other surveys than the ones you have seen may exist that you are unaware of at the time of purchase. These may show differing boundaries than what you are aware of; others may then be able to dispute your land ownership, even claiming ownership to your property long after you have already purchased.
4. Fraud and Illegal Deeds:
Fraud can occur intentionally or unintentionally, but it is still a hindrance to you as a homeowner. One example of this would be misreported or incorrectly filed tax documents by former owners. Again, errors occurring at the County Clerk’s Office could be tied into fraud. Forgery of signatures on legal documents constitutes as fraud, as does falsifications of important documents. Any expired legal documents are considered fraudulent as well and could cause problems in the ownership of your new property if at any time they come to light. Illegal deeds consist of prior deeds that may have been made by someone who later had their mental competence challenged, an undocumented immigrant, a minor (who falsified or misrepresented their age at the time of making the deed), or someone who reported as single at the time of making the deed, but who was legally married.
Contact Arrowhead Title, Inc. For More Information!
Discovering a hidden title problem can be a very frustrating and difficult situation to deal with as a property owner. However, our title experts in Lake Ozark, MO will be by your side every step of the way to help you in the process of purchasing title insurance to cover you if this occurs. For more information about purchasing title insurance and all our title services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website at www.ArrowheadTitle.com or call us at 573-302-1950.
The Lake of the Ozarks' Most Trusted Title Company
Where Accuracy Matters!
1. Errors in Public Records:
Human error is an unavoidable occurrence. Errors in the recording of information sometimes will occur at the County Clerk’s Office. For, example, names can easily be misspelled. Errors and confusion can also result when there are quite a few documented former homeowners’ who have similar names or spell their names in a similar fashion. Another public record error that at times can occur involves the map that is attached to the policy; the map may not show the correct location of the land/property according to the public records, or the location may not match what is on file at the County Clerk’s Office.
2. Missing Heirs or an Undiscovered Will:
When the former owner of a property dies, at times their heirs may be either missing or unknown at the time of death. After the death of a former property owner, a will or heir may not be found at all; in this instance, the state may sell their assets (this includes the home). After many years (and new property ownership) the will may come to light or the unknown heirs may appear. In this case, your rights as the new property owner may be jeopardized. Family members of the deceased may decide to contest the will – this can also occur long after you have purchased the property.
3. Land Survey Disputes:
When you purchase a property, you may have seen many surveys of the land before-hand. However, other surveys than the ones you have seen may exist that you are unaware of at the time of purchase. These may show differing boundaries than what you are aware of; others may then be able to dispute your land ownership, even claiming ownership to your property long after you have already purchased.
4. Fraud and Illegal Deeds:
Fraud can occur intentionally or unintentionally, but it is still a hindrance to you as a homeowner. One example of this would be misreported or incorrectly filed tax documents by former owners. Again, errors occurring at the County Clerk’s Office could be tied into fraud. Forgery of signatures on legal documents constitutes as fraud, as does falsifications of important documents. Any expired legal documents are considered fraudulent as well and could cause problems in the ownership of your new property if at any time they come to light. Illegal deeds consist of prior deeds that may have been made by someone who later had their mental competence challenged, an undocumented immigrant, a minor (who falsified or misrepresented their age at the time of making the deed), or someone who reported as single at the time of making the deed, but who was legally married.
5. Unknown Liens:
You may discover that a prior owner of your home or property was not prompt or efficient in paying their bills. They could owe banks or other financial institutions money that you are unaware of. The former debt may not be in your name, but those banks and financing companies can place liens on your property. This can happen even if you are unaware of the debt at the time of purchasing and can occur after you have already purchased the property.Contact Arrowhead Title, Inc. For More Information!
Discovering a hidden title problem can be a very frustrating and difficult situation to deal with as a property owner. However, our title experts in Lake Ozark, MO will be by your side every step of the way to help you in the process of purchasing title insurance to cover you if this occurs. For more information about purchasing title insurance and all our title services at the Lake of the Ozarks, visit our website at www.ArrowheadTitle.com or call us at 573-302-1950.
The Lake of the Ozarks' Most Trusted Title Company
Where Accuracy Matters!
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