Solving a Title Dispute
While everyone wants real estate transactions to go smoothly, it does not always work out that way. Issues can arise during the process, resulting in a dispute. Title disputes are one of the most common issues that may occur during a real estate transaction. They slow down the closing process and increase stress for buyers and sellers alike.
Common Titles Issues
Title issues can cause homeowners a lot of money and stress. Liens are one of the most common types of title issues and can occur when the previous homeowner failed to pay a debt. For example, if the previous owner never paid contractors for a bathroom remodel, a lien may be placed on the home, threatening your ownership.
Rights to inheritance can also result in title disputes. If you bought a home when the previous owner died, people claiming to be heirs may argue that they have rights to the property.
Recording errors are another common title issue that buyers may have to deal with. If someone makes a clerical error on the home deed, it can complicate matters.
How to Deal with a Title Dispute
No matter how a title issue arises, it is important to deal with it promptly. Here are some helpful tips for resolving a title dispute as smoothly as possible.
- Obtain a title report. The first step is to request a title report from the title company. They will provide documents on who is the actual owner of the property and can serve as evidence if other people try to bring claims against the property.
- Gather additional evidence. If you are trying to fight a title dispute, it is important to have as much evidence as possible. If you, for example, have notes and emails from the title company that establish you are the correct owner, you can use them to fight the dispute.
- Hire a lawyer. Handing a title dispute on your own can be quite overwhelming and increase your risk of making errors. That is why it is important to have a skilled real estate litigation lawyer on your side. He or she should have previous experience handling title disputes and look out for your best interests.
If you are currently in the middle of a title dispute, a real estate litigation lawyer, like one from Eric Siegel Law, can help.