When you purchase a property, your deal is not official until the documents are recorded. This official process makes you the owner of record and is important to demonstrating your claim on a property. The history of recordation of real estate documents of a property also provides information about the title history and is part of the title clearance process your title company will complete. If you are purchasing a property, here is what you need to know about the recordation of the real estate documents.

What does it mean to record documents?

Recording documents means submitting documents to the County Recorders or Recorder of Deeds office in your area. These recorded documents form a chain of title so that the history of ownership on your property can be verified. The general public can check these records to see who owns your property, and a title company can use this information in title search to ensure that the property you are considering is fully eligible to be sold by the seller.

How are documents recorded?

Recording laws and procedures vary from place to place. Generally, you can take the documents to the office yourself or mail them to the correct person. There is usually a fee involved. After a record is made of your documents, they will be returned to you. Your mortgage company, real estate agent, or title company may assist you with this process or can offer advice.

What information is included with recorded documents?

In addition to proof of ownership information, the recorder may attach information to your documents as it arises. For instance, if there is a lien or foreclosure on your property, this information will be attached to your title. When a company makes a title order, this information will be attached to the title so that they can determine that there are financial obligations attached to the property that must be satisfied by the current owner before selling it.

CoreTitle uses information in recorded real estate documents to ensure the property you are purchasing has a free and clear title before you invest.