But I thought It Was My House !

Margaret people think that this can't happen to them, and then SURPRISE it does.

In California we receive a preliminary report from the title company a few days after opening escrow.  They sometimes can reveal surprises.

CONGRATULATIONS Margaret, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Clubgroup!  

HI Margaret- this is sad. I can only hope that what goes around comes around. 

Good morning Margaret,

How did I miss this post? I'm glad that Carol Williams featured it. It burns me when I read stories like this! Its so sad to see someone taken advantage of when just seeking legal counsel would have given her the right perspective of what to do.

Hi Margaret:

Such a sad story but one that illustrates so well the need to check all available records and verify information. Making assumptions can be dangerous and costly!

Jeff

Hi, Margaret

   My first Broker taught me to get a "pre-search" done by a Title company whenever I take a listing.   A couple of title attorneys in Tallahassee have obliged me over the years, no charge for running that search.   

  On several occasions, Title problems have appeared.  I don't recall anything as heartbreaking as the story you describe here, but there have been times when something needed to be cleared up.  A mechanic's lien from years ago, an improperly executed Deed or conveyance, etc.  

    It is far better to find out "up front", and take care of it before the property is put on the market.  Going under contract with a Buyer, and then learning that there is a cloud on title... no, thank you!

I just hate hearing these stories. Makes my stomach hurt! People are so greedy!

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 We hear stories like this all the time.  I like Ed's suggestion, too.  

Dear Margaret,

Very sage advice. It is amazing, how some families treat each other, especially during sad times. Unfortunately, we see the incredibly happy and the very sad as well.

What a sad story. Makes us all aware that we need wills that spell out what is to happen and not leave it up to others to do what we want, giving them room to suit themselves.

More than legal advice is needed.  folks need to plan for all eventuality.  No good deed is ever fully rewarded.

That is so sad!  Having to make payments in retirement isn't good for the seller.  She lost her husband and is now in debt.  So sad!

Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400  Great story; these things happen more than people realize. Especially when seniors do not marry and live together so they do not lose their social security

How sad that there are nefarious people in this world where money is their ultimate motivation over family.  Your advice is right on.

It is standard for our Team to open a pre-sale escrow account with our preferred title company and get a preliminary title report to show vesting of the property and any liens. If the vesting showed the property to be in a trust, we (and the title company) would want a copy of the trust.

It seems that there is more to the story, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. Did the vesting of the home give the step-daughter the right to force a sale. That would be unusual. Perhaps a trust or will specified the sale. If so, poor planning on the part of the spouse to leave the wife in such a poor position.