The register of deeds pertains to the centralized location where a record of real estate deeds, land titles, and other legal documents is maintained and to the local government official responsible for keeping and providing access to deeds. Broadly, you may access deeds, birth certificates, death certificates, military discharge records, or other public records through this municipal office. Additionally, when used in conjunction with a grantor-grantee index (that lists the document’s owner and any transfers of property), registers enable companies and individuals to gather information about the history of real property.
It is essential to keep in mind that all documents about real and personal property information, such as those from the register, must be dealt with accordingly. As such, to make sure that your next steps will be pursuant to both federal and state law on real properties, contact trusted Frisco landlord attorneys today.
Ownership of Land, House, Vehicle, or Other Properties
The term ‘deed’ refers to a signed legal document that transfers the title of an asset to a new holder, granting them the privilege of ownership. A grant deed, in particular, is used to transfer ownership of real property (sometimes confused with a certificate of title, which identifies the owner or owners of personal or real property). Deeds must be duly signed, notarized, and filed for them to be considered as public records. Consequently, what you should avoid is an unrecorded deed. Since the title to a property is not registered with the appropriate records office, you could face legal issues in the future.
The deed holder is granted certain rights to the piece of property in question. However, although registers are available for public viewing, government assistance may be necessary if you need to access particular mortgage records or deeds. Since registers are typically maintained at the state, county or even town level, a property owner wishing to transfer a title or sell an asset must seek legal advice from someone knowledgeable with all the relevant statutes. This can save you valuable time.
Benefits of a Register of Deeds
A register of deeds is beneficial if you need to conduct a title search, find any defects in the title, verify any liens on the property, or settle a real estate dispute. Since it can provide information about a piece of property (such as lot numbers, addresses of homes, or even makes and models of vehicles), they are handy in real estate transactions. While the register of deeds may charge fees for copies of public records (a copy of a deed might be $30), they are definitely worth the assurance that the title of a property can be legally transferred from the home seller to the home buyer.
As the buyer of a property, you are the one responsible for recording the deed. Deeds for real estate need to be filed directly with the county or municipality where the real estate property is located. For the documents to be properly registered, they must be duly signed, witnessed, and notarized. Here, a hands-on Frisco landlord attorney can extend their knowledge and legal services for your landlord-related concerns.
Disadvantages of a Register of Deeds
Although both a title and deed prove property ownership, titles are legal concepts that outline ownership, while deeds are physical documents. Related to this is the land registry, which contains vital information about a particular property (description, address, purchase price, current owners). It proves ownership by removing any claims against adverse possession by unintended inhabitants. Knowing the differences between these things is crucial to avoid untoward situations, especially when you try to sell your property.
Similarly, it is essential to register deeds with the recorder of deeds. Not doing so could lead to a real property dispute over the chain of title (the historical change in ownership, all the way to the first owner/original deed) since a break in the chain can be very problematic for the real estate owner. Failing to register a deed may also lead to the property line and boundary issues, property tax disputes, and loss of profit.
Avoiding Confusion by Getting Reliable Legal Help
In addition to real estate and property records, the register of deeds may also be responsible for notary commissions, military discharges, marriage licenses, and the filing of Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) financing statements on personal property, which protect a secured party’s interest in the collateral offered by a debtor for a loan. The specific duties of a register of deeds may vary from state to state and could include fraud prevention responsibilities since personal records and information in birth and death certificates can potentially be used for identity theft.
Seek Legal Help From a Reliable Real Estate Attorney
Dealing with real estate law can be confusing. To ensure that you do not get lost with all these things, seek legal advice from a credible Texas law firm handling landlord issues.
Call us at Girling Law and consult with a seasoned Frisco landlord lawyer today.
