Purchasing real estate in Florida is an exciting venture, but it’s not without its challenges. Title issues, often hidden from plain sight, can derail a transaction and lead to significant financial loss or legal battles. Identifying and addressing these problems early is key to a smooth transaction. In this blog, we’ll explore five common title issues in Florida real estate and how working with a professional title agency can help you avoid them.
1. Unpaid Liens
Liens are a common issue in Florida, especially with properties that have a history of unpaid taxes, contractor bills, or homeowner association fees. If these liens go undiscovered, they can transfer to the new owner, leaving you responsible for the debt.
How to Avoid It:
A title search conducted by a professional agency can reveal any existing liens, ensuring they are resolved before closing.
2. Boundary Disputes
Boundary disputes occur when the property’s actual boundaries differ from what’s stated in the title. This is particularly common in Florida’s high-density areas or properties bordering water.
How to Avoid It:
A thorough review of surveys and legal descriptions by a title expert ensures the property boundaries are accurately defined and agreed upon.
3. Undisclosed Heirs
Florida properties sometimes have complicated histories, including heirs who may have claims to the property but were not included in previous transactions. These undisclosed heirs can emerge after the sale and challenge your ownership.
How to Avoid It:
Title insurance protects you against claims from undisclosed heirs, and a title search ensures due diligence is performed to identify all relevant parties.
4. Fraudulent Deeds
Unfortunately, fraudulent deeds and forgery can occur in real estate transactions. A fraudulent deed might look legitimate but can lead to significant ownership disputes if discovered later.
How to Avoid It:
Title agencies verify the legitimacy of all documents involved in the transaction, safeguarding against fraud and ensuring you have clear ownership.
5. Errors in Public Records
Mistakes in public records, such as clerical errors or incomplete documentation, can cloud the title and delay or jeopardize the sale.
How to Avoid It:
Title professionals meticulously review public records to correct any errors and ensure all documentation is accurate and complete before closing.
How the Title & Closing Law Firm Can Help
The Title & Closing Law Firm specializes in identifying and resolving these common title issues before they become major problems. With a team of experienced attorneys and closing experts, we ensure every aspect of your transaction is handled with precision and care. Whether it’s conducting a thorough title search, addressing disputes, or providing title insurance, we’re here to protect your investment and make the process stress-free.
Contact the Title & Closing Law Firm today to safeguard your real estate transaction and ensure a smooth, worry-free closing!
