Public record errors have a tremendous impact on property titles. Imagine this. You spend months searching for that perfect dream home. You gain preapproval and sign the contract. The closing process is going smoothly. All of the hard work was worth it, and it’s time to reap the fruits of your labor. Then, all of a sudden, you smash into a major wall.
The property title has public record errors. This wasn’t your fault. But what are the negative consequences?
Usually, real estate industry professionals trust public records to be completely true and accurate. But mistakes do happen from time to time. Sometimes, those mistakes affect a homeowner’s title.
Public Record Errors Affect Your Property’s Title
Your property’s title is a way of legally determining your right to own a particular property. Hence, property titles are critically important before, during, and after the real estate closing process. When a property title has public record errors, it affects the way homeowners user their property, and even what they legally own.
Paperwork errors may occur when recording a property title. These errors can consist of virtually anything from the home’s square footage to even the property address. It is easy to see how these errors could have such a drastic impact.
Let’s say your address is 232 Smith Street. If the clerk accidentally enters the address as 323 Smith Street, then you would have no legal right to reside at 232 Smith Street. Why? Because the title states that you do not actually own that particular property.
Incorrectly recorded square footage is another common issue facing homeowners. A property’s square footage leaves an impact on boundary lines, and potentially the appraised home value.
Protect Yourself from Public Record Errors
Title clearance is vital to the real estate closing process. Collaborating with an accomplished Realtor and/or real estate attorney helps to mitigate the possibility of errors. Throughout a title clearance, the title insurance agency ensures that there are no liens or levies against the property.
On their part, homeowners should conduct their due diligence in checking that the title is error-free. The easiest way is by scanning paperwork for obvious typos or mistakes. It is important to note that any errors found on the title must be corrected by the current owner.
Beyond that, homeowners can purchase an owner’s title insurance policy. In the event of title or public record errors, an owner’s title insurance policy may cover legal fees needed to resolve the matter.
To learn more about public record errors, get in touch with one of the title and escrow specialists at Plymouth Title Guaranty Corporation.
Please note: The safety of our staff and clients is our highest priority. Effective immediately, Plymouth Title Guaranty Corp. will be taking the following precautions to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus:
All purchase transactions need to take place at a Plymouth Title Guaranty Corp. closing office.
- If a party to the closing is not feeling well, please contact your closer before the closing so appropriate precautions can be taken.
- We ask visitors to utilize the restroom in our building upon arrival to thoroughly wash their hands before entering our office.
- Only individuals required to sign and/or deliver documents at closings will be allowed in our office. Specifically, closings will be limited to borrower(s), seller(s), agents, and lenders.
- All pens used in the closing will be given to the client after use.
- All closing rooms will be cleaned and disinfected in-between each closing.
- Those picking up checks at our office will be instructed to call our main line and request to speak to a staff member who will plan for delivery to the lobby or parking lot of our office.
- All staff will refrain from shaking hands before or after closings and ask clients to do the same.
Please be advised that our staffing may be impacted during this unprecedented event. While we are committed to continuing to provide outstanding service, we ask for your patience in the face of this pandemic.