Any time a legal transfer property takes place, documents are filed with the local county clerk.  This means that the information is available to be viewed by those who need it.  And even those who don’t–why do you think that every time you buy a house or refinance, there are offers to buy your mortgage in the mail by the time you get home?

Buy From the Legal Owner

This means that if you have any questions regarding whether the person selling you the house, car, motorcycle, boat, or slightly used submarine is the legal owner, you have the means to check.  The legal owner should have all the appropriate ownership and transfer property paperwork.  If they don’t or can’t offer you the same documents, which you will need to file to be legal about all of this, it’s time to at least check with check with the court.

Stay Out Of Legal Trouble when You Transfer Property

It varies by jurisdiction and the value of the property, but there are levels of trouble possible for those who buy stolen property.  If it’s something big, like a house or a boat, you really need to verify tales of bankruptcy, divorce, etc., through court records.  And possibly by checking the criminal history of the seller.

It’s not impossible that you’re dealing with a legal, but ignorant, owner and a transfer property search will show you that as well.  Better to miss a sale than wind up in jail.  Investigate with a transfer property search before you sign anything.

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