How can I clear a title issue caused by a past tax foreclosure so I can sell the property? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, clearing a sale-stopping title issue tied to a past county tax foreclosure usually comes down to confirming what kind of tax foreclosure happened and whether the court file…
Who should communicate with the buyers about the title status, and what documents should we share to keep the sale on track? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the safest way to keep a sale on track when there are title concerns is for the closing attorney (and, if applicable, the listing agent)…
What does it mean to sign a deed over to someone as part of getting paid out for my property interest? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, “signing a deed over” as part of a payout usually means signing a written deed that transfers whatever ownership interest is held in the property to…
What is a directive for disbursement of real estate funds and why is it required at closing? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a directive for disbursement is a written set of instructions that tells the closing attorney (the settlement agent) exactly who gets paid from the money held for the closing, how…
What happens if the mobile home park requires proof of ownership before a title transfer is finished? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a mobile home park can ask for reasonable proof that a buyer has the right to place and occupy a home on a rented lot, but a buyer usually cannot…
If a company wants to take part ownership of my property until I get paid, what risks should I watch out for before I sign anything? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, giving a company “part ownership” of real estate until payment often functions like a financing deal, even if it is labeled…
How can I confirm whether there are two mortgages or other liens on the house and who the lenders are? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, most mortgages and many other liens show up in public records kept by the county Register of Deeds and the Clerk of Superior Court. Confirming whether there…
Can I rely on a recorded plat to confirm the exact location of a specific lot, or do I need a new survey to be sure? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, a recorded plat is an important legal description reference, but it usually does not prove the exact on-the-ground location of a…
What is the best way to identify, find, and notify all potential heirs when the family tree spans several generations and multiple counties? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the most reliable approach is to build a documented family tree first, then use a structured search plan to locate living descendants, and finally…
How do I check whether an estate was ever opened for my relative in the county where they lived? – North Carolina Short Answer In North Carolina, the Clerk of Superior Court handles probate and keeps an indexed estate file list that is generally open for public inspection. To check whether an estate was opened,…