You Do Not Need To Buy A Copy Of Your Deed

I wrote an article on this same topic some time ago, but a client has received new, slightly different letters recently, so I am writing it again. Some of the names and descriptions have changed, but the concept is the same.

We transferred a client’s property into trust, and she received a letter from “Property Site.” Ignore the names of the senders, because the letter from a few years ago had a completely different name.

The letter recites data regarding property that the owner owns. The letter contains two pages of ridiculous and official-sounding description to explain why everyone should have a copy of the deed to their property. The notice offers to provide a copy of the deed for in excess of $90. The letter contains disclaimers, which are as misleading as the rest of the letter, to indicate that they are not affiliated with any government agency.

This “service” is unnecessary, for a variety of reasons.

1. If a deed is recorded in the public records, it is unlikely you will need to present a certified or official copy for any purpose.
2. If the deed was recorded after the public records of the county were posted on the Internet, one can obtain a regular copy, or even a certified copy, from the Clerk of Court for much less money. Clerk records are available in every county. In Volusia County, go to www.clerk.org and search public records.
3. The tax assessor’s information generally shows the book and page of the deed, if you have trouble finding it on the clerk’s website.

All these companies do is obtain the copy from the clerk, which anybody could obtain directly. There is no need to heed the offer contained in this letter.

Attorney Michael A. Pyle, of Pyle, Dellinger & Duz, PLLC. 1655 North Clyde Morris Blvd., Suite 1, Daytona Beach, FL, 32117 386.615.9007. E-mail: mikep@pylelegal.com or website: www.pylelegal.com