Palomar Mountain News

Have you inherited or acquired your property from family? Did your grandparents pass the property down to their kids and now it is owned by you and a few cousins?

Have you purchased adjoining land from a neighbor?

Was there property that came up at a county or public auction that you couldn’t resist?

Did you buy land in your personal name without vesting or in the name of a trust?

When this happens, it usually means that there was no title insurance. Maybe there are old, back taxes due or a Nordstrom lien (true story). The County will record basically what ever is presented to them. When deeds are recorded, you might think all is well.

If you have read this far, you might be saying “I don’t want to sell”. I understand. But, one of these days, there might come a time when you or your heirs decide to let your property go to someone else to care for and enjoy.

Five escrows in a row have needed work to jump through some pretty crazy hoops to move forward. One is delayed because we’re promised a month or so and several thousand dollars per parcel to be ‘clear to close’. Some just need copies of old trusts mentioned from decades ago. Do you have any clue at all where they are? The attorney office that created them is no longer in business and the prior owners are not to be found. An affidavit notarized and signed by whoever granted the property can be pretty simple, however when the grantees are no longer living, it can be a lot more complicated. Some issues need an attorney to sort out.

Now I have three new listings that all need – drum roll – title work. Yes, we are hot on this before we even put them on the market to avoid delays during escrows.

Are you curious about title to your property? Simply reach out, we’ll pull title and point you in the right directions to have everything all set.

Bonnie Phelps, Realtor for the clean up work!

At my Desk 760-742-1742

Out and About: 760-533-1742