Finally, you can now afford to buy a property using your hard-earned money. Before signing the deed of sale, you must first check that everything is in order. Do not fall prey on titles with hidden encumbrances or worse, a fake title. Be a wise and diligent buyer by checking the veracity of the title of the property you are purchasing.
Check the authenticity of the Title
You may verify the title with the Registry of Deeds by securing the certified true copy of such title (it is a blue copy on security paper).
Double check the owner-seller’s identity
You may ask your seller to show you his/her valid government IDs to verify if the seller is actually the owner of the property. It is important to note that you must only buy property from the owner. Only the owner can actually sell the land, or his dulyauthorized agent. Also, if the owner is married, make sure that he/she has the consent of the spouse. Better yet, make sure that the spouses will both sign the deed of sale
Check the owner’s Duplicate Certificate
Duplicate Certificates distinctly have “Owner’s Duplicate” marked right above the title number of you already have the e-title.
Check if the information indicated on the title itself are all true
Make sure that the land area and the location indicated on the title are both accurate. You may need the services of a surveyor for this purpose
Traceback the ownership history
Secure a copy of the previous cancelled titles prior to the current title.
Verify the name on the title and pertinent documents
Check if the registered name on the title is the same as that in the tax declarations and other pertinent documents.
Check if the property is free from any legal impediments such as mortgages, liens, an adverse claim, lis pendens, and other encumbrances
The annotations for the liens and encumbrances are found at the back page of the title or the following page(s). If the back page of the title or the following page(s) is/are blank, it has no recorded liens and encumbrances. However, to be sure, check the title with the Registry of Deeds because while the owner’s duplicate may be clean, the Registry copy may not be.
Ensure that the real property taxes are paid timely by the owner.
Make sure that the real property taxes are being paid by the owner yearly. The owner must not have defaulted in payments.
Ensuring that the property you are buying is free from any legal impediments will surely give you the peace of mind. Moreover, skip the stress of verifying titles by letting the experts here at FILEDOCSPHIL do the work. CLICK HERE for a free quote.