How to Get a Copy of Your House Deed: A Step-by-Step Guide
Owning a home is a huge accomplishment, and having a copy of your house deed is essential for protecting your investment. A house deed is a legal document that proves your ownership of the property, and it contains important information such as the legal description of the property, the names of the owners, and the date of purchase.
Why Do You Need a Copy of Your House Deed?
There are several reasons why you may need a copy of your house deed. You may need it to:
- Apply for a mortgage or refinance your existing loan
- Sell your home
- Make changes to your property
- Settle an estate
- Protect yourself from fraud
How to Get a Copy of Your House Deed
Getting a copy of your house deed is relatively easy. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Contact the County Recorder’s Office
The county recorder’s office is responsible for recording and maintaining land records, including house deeds. To get a copy of your house deed, you can either visit the office in person or request a copy by mail.
2. Provide the Necessary Information
When you contact the county recorder’s office, you will need to provide the following information:
- The name of the current owner(s) of the property
- The property address
- The parcel number (if you have it)
3. Pay the Fee
There is usually a small fee for obtaining a copy of your house deed. The fee varies from county to county, so be sure to ask the recorder’s office about the cost before you make your request.
4. Wait for Your Copy
Once you have provided the necessary information and paid the fee, the county recorder’s office will send you a copy of your house deed. The timeframe for receiving your copy will vary depending on the county, but it is usually within a few days or weeks.
What to Do if You Can’t Find Your House Deed
If you can’t find your house deed, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to track it down:
- Check with your lender. If you have a mortgage on your home, your lender will have a copy of your house deed.
- Contact the title company. If you used a title company when you purchased your home, they may have a copy of your house deed.
- Hire a title abstractor. A title abstractor can search public records to find a copy of your house deed.
Additional Information
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about house deeds:
- House deeds are public records, which means that anyone can access them.
- You should keep your house deed in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a safety deposit box.
- If you make any changes to your property, such as adding a new room or building a fence, you should have your house deed updated to reflect the changes.
Conclusion
Getting a copy of your house deed is an important step in protecting your investment. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily obtain a copy of your deed and keep it safe for future reference.
Check out our other articles for more information on home ownership:
- How to Buy a House
- How to Sell Your House
- How to Refinance Your Mortgage
FAQ about How to Get a Copy of House Deed
1. How can I get a copy of my house deed?
You can request a copy of your house deed from the county recorder’s office where the property is located.
2. How much does it cost to get a copy of a deed?
The cost to get a copy of a deed varies by county. Typically, it ranges from $10 to $50.
3. How long does it take to get a copy of a deed?
The time it takes to get a copy of a deed varies by county. Some counties offer same-day service, while others may take several weeks.
4. What information do I need to provide to get a copy of a deed?
You will need to provide the county recorder’s office with the following information:
- The address of the property
- The name of the current owner
- The date the property was purchased
5. Can I get a copy of a deed online?
Yes, you can get a copy of a deed online from some counties. However, there may be a fee for this service.
6. What is a certified copy of a deed?
A certified copy of a deed is a copy that has been certified by the county recorder’s office to be a true copy of the original deed.
7. Why do I need a certified copy of a deed?
A certified copy of a deed may be required for certain legal purposes, such as refinancing a mortgage or selling a property.
8. How do I get a certified copy of a deed?
You can get a certified copy of a deed by submitting a request to the county recorder’s office where the property is located.
9. How much does it cost to get a certified copy of a deed?
The cost to get a certified copy of a deed varies by county. Typically, it ranges from $20 to $100.
10. How long does it take to get a certified copy of a deed?
The time it takes to get a certified copy of a deed varies by county. Some counties offer same-day service, while others may take several weeks.
