Learn
The public record, in ordinary language.
These notes are for a homeowner who has not worked in a recorder’s office. They describe how the records fit together. They are not legal advice.
- Why protect your home
Forged deeds, bogus liens, FBI and county sources, and a checklist if it happens to you.
- What is a title?
Title is the legal story of who holds rights in a piece of land, built from documents in the public record.
- What’s a deed, and what is vesting?
A deed is the document that transfers ownership. Vesting is how the new owner holds it.
- Mortgages and releases
A mortgage is the lender’s recorded claim. A release is the document that says that claim was closed.
- Liens and judgments
A lien is a recorded claim against property. A judgment is a court decision that someone owes money.
- Property taxes and assessments
The assessor sets a taxed value. The treasurer collects the bill. Neither number is an appraisal.
- What is deed fraud, and how does watching help?
Someone forges a transfer or files a claim you did not sign. Watching does not stop the filing. It shortens the time before you know.
Glossary
- Title
- The rights in a property, as shown by the recorded documents.
- Deed
- The document that transfers an interest from a grantor to a grantee.
- Vesting
- How the owner holds title: one name, spouses, a trust, or a company.
- Mortgage
- A lender’s recorded claim, usually for the original amount of the loan.
- Release
- A recorded document that closes a mortgage or another claim.
- Lien
- A recorded claim against property, such as for work, taxes, or a judgment.
- Judgment
- A court decision that someone owes money. It can be recorded against property.
- Assessment
- The value the assessor uses for taxes. Not an appraisal.
- PIN
- The parcel identification number the county uses for that piece of land.
- Cloud on title
- A recorded problem that can stall a sale or a refinance until it is cleared.
- Title insurance
- A policy from a title company. This service is not that policy.
- Encumbrance
- Any recorded claim that limits the title, including a mortgage, lien, or easement.