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Put A Lock On Your Deed

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Industry Observer with Inactive Inactive

In a recent article here on AR, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 discusses the pros and cons of Title Lock Insurance.

Title Insurance Yes-Title Lock Insurance Maybe Not

The article is important because with the tools available online it has become easier than ever for scammers to record legal (or illegal) documents without showing up in a government office.

Here in Arizona, we do see Title Fraud. Most often it happens to vacant land. People come from other parts of the country buy a parcel of undeveloped land and then hold it for 20 or 30 years as an investment. Then after 20 years discovered the property had title changes recorded via Quit Claims or counterfeit sales contracts.

Maricopa County, where I live and work, has recently implemented a free service that alerts property owners of any new claims against their holdings.

I suspect many county governments across the country are implementing the same systems. Here's the link to the Maricopa County website: Maricopa County Title Alert

If you know of a similar system in your hometown feel free to post the link in the comments. This is an important value-added nugget for real estate professionals to share with their clients.

 

Joe Domino is a Realtor® serving the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. Need more information? Or to Search for your next home, visit www.Scottsdale-AZHomes.com

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© 2024 Joseph Domino All Rights Reserved

Comments(6)

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Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Joseph Domino 480-390-6011 

I am so glad you are getting this information to the public. I appreciate that you are sharing the free service that Maricopa offers, and I would like to know if all the states could all get this kind of service. Here in Maryland, the owner can check their own title, but I like your way better.

Jan 28, 2024 07:50 AM
Leanne Smith
Dirt Road Real Estate - Golden Valley, AZ
The Grit and Gratitude Agent

Mohave County, AZ has implemented Assessor's Address Protection Program. For $50 with your signature notarized and supplying a finger print, your address is locked for all properties sharing the same mailing address.  Much cheaper than some of the other programs out there. Changing the address of the tax bill is the first step for deed fraud.

Jan 28, 2024 09:38 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, the tax mailing address is something watch for.

Jan 29, 2024 10:32 AM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great information. Thanks for sharing, enjoy your weekend. Here's to your remaining favorite NFL team today. GO RAVENS AND LIONS. 

Bill Salvatore Arizona Elite Properties.

Jan 28, 2024 10:52 AM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thanks Bill

Jan 29, 2024 10:32 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Joseph, not all counties within the Denver metro area do this, but the ones that do, I let my clients know!

Jan 28, 2024 03:42 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

It adds value and gives you a chance to connect without spamming them.

Jan 29, 2024 10:33 AM
Joyce M. Marsh
Luxury Home Couture - Daytona Beach, FL
Joyce Marsh Homes & Design

I’m going to look into this. Very good advice, thank you.

Jan 28, 2024 05:52 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Thank You

Jan 29, 2024 10:33 AM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Hi Joseph:

Margaret's article was a very good one and this is an important follow-up. We have a similar program through our county recorders office. There was a mailing last year to county property owners to let them know and how to sign up for free. It's an important service!

Jeff

Jan 28, 2024 07:51 PM
Joseph Domino 480-390-6011

Yes, more people need to take advantage of it.

Jan 29, 2024 10:34 AM