What are some examples of “hidden risks”?

  • False impersonation of the true owner of the property by the seller or other persons previously in title
  • Fraud or forgery on deeds, wills, releases and other documents
  • Deeds by minors or persons of unsound mind
  • Invalid documents completed by an expired power of attorney
  • Invalid deeds delivered after the death of the grantor
  • Deeds by supposedly single persons but actually married
  • Unpaid property taxes
  • Judgments and liens against the seller for unpaid property, estate, inheritance, income or gift taxes
  • Claims for unpaid estate inheritance and gift taxes against prior owners of your home
  • Unrecorded easements – giving one party the right to enter another party’s property
  • Undisclosed descendants or missing heirs of former owners of your home or the land on which it is situated