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Use a Professional!

Posted September 29, 2018 in Real Estate Trends

Scott Hogan, Clark County WA real estate agent

There were nearly 3,000 documents recorded (filed) with the Clark County Auditor in August that were title-insured. Those deeds and loan documents have been created by or approved by Clark County Title or another title company in town. Though mistakes sometimes happen, the vast majority of these documents and transactions go through without a hitch.

In addition to the 3,000 professional deeds and loans, though, there are thousands of other documents recorded with the Auditor. Some of these are deeds and other documents that seem to be drawn at the kitchen table or hood of a car! These documents don’t have the same quality of drafting one would expect from professionals: missing or incorrect legal descriptions, missing parties, or forgotten details creating unintended consequences. Only later, when it’s time to do something with the property, are the effects of the kitchen table deed discovered.

Keep this in mind when you’re faced with a need for documenting changes in real estate. Whether you’ve decided to gift property, loan a friend or relative money secured by real estate, an owner has died, or any number of other reasons, make sure you get professional advice and assistance. We get many “step up to the counter” requests for assistance, and we are pleased to help when we can with property information and general questions. When it comes to legal advice, though, expect to be directed to local attorneys who can help you get it right.

It’s the same advice we give to people looking to buy or sell real estate: use a professional! Realtors are licensed professionals with access to the best information on pricing, neighborhoods and specific properties.

Looking to get a loan? We’re blessed to have many great professional mortgage lenders in Clark County. Meet with one of them and find out the truth about how much you can afford and how to get the best interest rates.

If you have any questions about title insurance, escrow or real estate transactions generally, feel free to give me a call. We’d love to be a part of your successful transaction, and the professional title and escrow people of Clark County Title are happy to assist you!

Scott Hogan
Clark County Title
Scott@ClarkCountyTitle.com

360-694-4722
1400 Washington St, Ste. 100
Vancouver, WA

360-787-9197
3200 SE 164th Avenue, Ste. 219
Vancouver, WA 98683