Services

1. Comprehensive Title Abstracting Services

Our title abstracting services provide in-depth property research to support smooth and secure real estate transactions. We ensure thorough and precise title searches, delivering key insights into property ownership, encumbrances, liens and judgments, and any other documents of record which could affect the title.

Included Services

• Current Owner Search: Also referred as Owners & Encumbrance Search (O&E), Last Owner Search, or Refinance Search. The report includes the current vesting deed and all deeds leading back to the most recent out-of-family deed that is at least 24 months old. The report also includes all open mortgages and associated documents (assignment, modification, subordination, etc.), liens and judgments filed against the current owners, assessment information, current tax information and any other documents of record which could affect the title.
• Two Owner Search: Identifies the current and prior owner(s) of a property. The report includes all deeds in the chain of title, open mortgages with associated documents, liens and judgments filed against owners in the chain of title, assessment information, current tax information and any other documents of record which could affect the title.
• Full Title Search: Researches the property for a specified period (typically 30 or 40 years, or a custom period). Provides a comprehensive title chain, easements, covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs), agreements, maps, and all recorded documents that will affect the property. Includes open or closed mortgages and associated documents, liens, judgments, assessments, and tax information.
• Legal & Vesting Reports: Most recent deed along with the typed legal description.
• Document Retrieval: Retrieval of recorded documents from County Recorder of Deeds, Civil Court Records, Probate Court Records, etc.
• Update / Bring Down Searches: Research from the last effective date to present, providing any new information that has been recorded.

Our Methodology

Our research is based on a comprehensive analysis of the property's official land records, ensuring accuracy and reliability. These records typically include:

• Tax Assessor Records: Information on property taxes, ownership history, and assessments.
• County Recorder of Deeds: Transfers of property, deeds, and recorded encumbrances such as mortgages and liens.
• Civil Court Records: Judgments or liens filed against the property or its owner.
• Probate Court Records: Records related to inheritance and ownership issues when applicable.

Our Process

1. Title Search Execution: Conducting thorough searches based on your specific requirements.
2. Data Compilation: Merging all findings into a structured research worksheet.
3. Quality Control & Verification: Ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance before submission.

2. Tax Certification

A Tax Certificate provides detailed information about the property taxes associated with a specific parcel of real estate. It is commonly required by title companies, lenders, buyers, and investors to verify tax obligations and assess risk.

Key Details in a Tax Certificate

• Current Tax Status: Indicates whether property taxes have been paid or if there are outstanding amounts.
• Tax Amounts: Specifies assessed tax value and total tax due.
• Delinquencies & Liens: Identifies unpaid taxes that could result in a lien against the property.
• Taxpayer Information: Lists the property owner responsible for taxes.
• Jurisdiction Details: Shows the taxing authorities (county, city, school district, etc.).
• Due Dates & Penalties: Provides payment deadlines and any penalties for late payments.

Why a Tax Certificate Matters

• Title Insurance: Ensures there are no unpaid taxes that could become a lien on the property.
• Real Estate Transactions: Lenders and buyers use tax certificates to verify tax obligations before closing.
• Foreclosure & Tax Sales: Investors assess risk when purchasing properties at tax lien or foreclosure auctions.