Perhaps you are looking forward to purchasing your dream home. However, in order to obtain a mortgage, you must have a title insurance policy.
The title company will not issue such a policy if there is doubt about the ownership of the property. Under what circumstances would a quiet title action be the appropriate next step?
About quiet title
To resolve ambiguity over the title to a property or to ensure there are no conflicting claims, you, as the prospective buyer, may wish to initiate a quiet title action. This is a legal process designed to determine legal ownership of a property. Others, such as the mortgage lender or the current property owner, might also file a quiet title complaint.
Possible issues
There are several situations that might require a quiet title action to clear up existing issues:
– inaccurate survey results or a boundary dispute
– the property owner dies before completing the conveyance of the property
– to resolve possible claims, identify lien holders or heirs of an unoccupied house
– ensure the title is clear under a quitclaim deed rather than a warranty deed
– records are missing after payment of a mortgage or tax debt
– for properties bought through foreclosure, sheriffs’ sales, tax or estate sales
Considerations
Keep in mind that a quiet title action may only address a single instance of a cloud on the title. It might not address multiple issues that present legal challenges. Professional guidance can help you over the hurdles and ensure that you have a clear title and become the legal owner of the dream home you wish to purchase.