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Do you know what "Cloud on the Title" means?

By
Real Estate Agent with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties 01238708

Do you know what “Cloud on the Title” means?

Generally when you hear these words, there is no need to panic.

 The definition of a “cloud” is an apparent outstanding claim on the title to a real property. This could mean a lot of different things, such as an example Marriage, Death, Mechanic’s lien, Tax liens, or a mortgage not re-conveyed.

Cloud on Title By Endre Barath

 

Most likely when we see a loan not being re-conveyed it is an indication of a situation, where the seller was the “lender” and after a buyer paid off the loan, the seller failed to go and record that the loan has been paid in full.

 

Here are a few examples of clouds on the title:

 

Marriage: where a single person is selling or mortgaging the property and the title search reveals that there are two people on the deed and it says they are married.

 

Many times the “cloud on the title” can be removed by the courts. This we call a motion to file a “quite title action”. This is done by the execution and recording of a valid deed or by providing documents that a dept has been paid.

Title Issues are called Cloud on Title

Here in California you as the buyer can rest assured that until the “cloud” is removed you cannot close the sale.  The Title Company & the Escrow Company will make sure that you get “clear title” or you can not close the deal.

 

If you are a consumer who is considering buying or selling a home, investment real estate, vacation homes, or beach properties in Southern California, Los Angeles, Century City, Westwood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Playa Vista, Marina Del Rey, Venice or Malibu. Feel Free to give me a call at 310.486.1002 or email me at homes@endrebarath.com or visit one of my websites at http://www.endrebarath.com Your Pet Friendly Realtor. I contribute a portion of my commission to Local Animal Rescue Organizations

 

Jordon Wheeler
The Jordon Wheeler Group - Fairburn, GA
J W Group Real Estate Sales and Service

Hey Endre, this post is a good explanation of cloud on title issues.  We see more of them especially with foreclosures.  Best of success to you this year!

Jul 18, 2012 05:10 PM
Pamela Seley
West Coast Realty Division - Murrieta, CA
Residential Real Estate Agent serving SW RivCo CA

Endre, good explanation: you are right homebuyers have no need to fear as they will not be able to close escrow without clear title from title company. suggested,

Jul 18, 2012 05:14 PM
Bob Miller
Keller Williams Cornerstone Realty - Ocala, FL
The Ocala Dream Team

Hi Endre, very good post.  Nice photo to go along with the "cloud" also.

Jul 18, 2012 07:49 PM
Cal Yoder
Keller Williams Elite - Lititz, PA
Homes For Sale in Lancaster PA - 717.413.0744

Endre, a good explanation and helping buyers be at ease regarding this issue is important. Have a great day.

Cal

Jul 18, 2012 08:17 PM
Patrick White
Home Driven Realty, Inc - Baldwin, NY
Driven to bring New Yorkers home
Good morning Endre Thanks for the post and explanation of cloud on title. Have a great day
Jul 18, 2012 11:07 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Endre -- good explanation.  When representing sellers, I have the preliminary title report ordered prior to the property hitting the market.  It's best to know and address any issues upfront than to try and sort them out in escrow and risk holding up closing.   Great visual and very important issue for all parties in a real transaction to be aware.  

Jul 18, 2012 11:45 PM
Dick Greenberg
New Paradigm Partners LLC - Fort Collins, CO
Northern Colorado Residential Real Estate

Hi Endre - In 20 years of real estate, we've only had maybe a half-dozen real title issues to deal with, and they were doozies. But we never had one that wasn't eventually resolved. In spite of that, care and attention need to be given to this topic, because the potential downside, though rare, can be catastrophic.

Jul 19, 2012 01:08 AM
Jennifer Chiongbian
Specializing in all types of Manhattan apts & townhouses - Manhattan, NY
Real Estate Broker - NYC

Great explanation on mortgage vocabulary.  Most of the general public don't understand all our industry jargon.

Jul 19, 2012 05:35 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Jordon, I have also noticed when there is seller financing the per cent of "lack of re-conveyance" increases dramatically.

Pamela how true!

Jul 19, 2012 05:44 AM
Laura Allen, Lake Tahoe - Truckee Real Estate for Sale TahoeLauraRealEstate.com
Coldwell Banker Realty, Tahoe City, CA (530) 414-1260 - Tahoe City, CA
Tahoe Real Estate Agent Helping Buyers and Sellers

Endre - Excellent information for buyers to know about.  The subject of title is always so mysterious it nice that you took the time to provide some general education on the process!

Jul 19, 2012 05:47 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Stephanie & Bob thank you for the kind words, I am glad you liked the illustration:)

Cal yes Cloud on the Title can be daunting to a buyer and a seller if you are in Escrow.

Jul 19, 2012 06:21 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Patrick nice to see you must have been very busy lately. As far as the Title issues they are important hence I thought I would bring it to the fore front!

Michael, I am getting to the same direction now...we sometimes learn the hard way.

Jul 19, 2012 06:28 AM
Nick T Pappas
Assoc. Broker ABR, CRS, SFR, e-Pro, @Homes Realty Group, Broker/Providence Property Mgmnt, LLC Huntsville AL - Huntsville, AL
Madison & Huntsville Alabama Real Estate Resource
Endre, great example of why title searches are actually performed...many people don't understand all the pitfalls if a title search isn't done.
Jul 19, 2012 11:55 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Dick you are absolutely right it could be catastrophic!

Jennifer good point we tend to speak in 'jargon' that we understand but not necessarily the public!

Jul 19, 2012 01:12 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Laura I love your observation about Titles I should write a post and include all my Title Posts:)) take the mystery out of it:))

Nick I agree I learned the hard way...

Jul 19, 2012 03:53 PM
Eileen Hsu
Douglas Elliman Real Estate - Manhattan, NY
LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

Hi Endre, I did not know about this cloud on the title means, but now I know. Thanks for this useful info!

Jul 20, 2012 12:25 AM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Eileen glad to help, you have Attorneys that handle these issues in New York so they have to worry and correct it!

Jul 20, 2012 09:51 AM