imgresProperty seems so simple- a piece of land, maybe there’s a building on it, ok- perhaps a house.   Nobody want the property hassles. Though this author is an architect, not an attorney, we are sometimes the first point of contact in what can be a convoluted, crazy process…way before we have a chance to design anything!  So…here are my top WTF moments and issues that I have seen affect our projects over the years, and some basic measures of protection:

1. Errors and “lost” in public records

To err is human, but when it affects your homeownership rights, those mistakes can be devastating. Clerical or filing errors could affect the deed or survey of your property and cause undo financial strain in order to resolve them. Many municipal records predate digital collection into computer files and are subject to floods in basement archives, misplaced folders, and simple mis-filed folders.

2. Unknown liens

Prior owners of your property may not have been meticulous bookkeepers — or bill payers. And even though the former debt is not your own, banks or other financing companies can place liens on your property for unpaid debts even after you have closed on the sale. This is an especially worrisome issue with distressed properties.

3. Illegal deeds

While the chain of title on your property may appear perfectly sound, it’s possible that a prior deed was made by an undocumented immigrant, a minor, a person of unsound mind, or one who is reported single but in actuality married. These instances may affect the enforceability of prior deeds, affecting prior (and possibly present) ownership.

4. Missing heirs

When a person dies, the ownership of his home may fall to his heirs, or those namedwithin his will. However, those heirs are sometimes missing or unknown at the time of death. Other times, family members may contest the will for their own property rights. These scenarios — which can happen long after you have purchased the property — could affect your rights to the property.

5. Forgeriesimgres

Unfortunately, we don’t live in a completely honest world. Sometimes forged or fabricated documents that affect property ownership are filed within public records, obscuring the rightful ownership of the property. Once these forgeries come to light, your rights to your home may be in jeopardy.

6. Undiscovered encumbrances

When it comes to owning a home, three can be a crowd. At the time of purchase, you may not know that a third party holds a claim to all or part of your property — due to a former mortgage or lien, or non-financial claims, like restrictions or covenants limiting the use of your property.

7. Unknown easements

You may own your new home and its surrounding land, but an unknown easement may prohibit you from using it as you’d like, or could allow government agencies, businesses, or other parties to access all or portions of your property. While usually non-financial issues, easements can still affect your right to enjoy your property.imgres

8. Boundary/survey disputes

You may have seen several surveys of your property prior to purchasing, however, other surveys may exist that show differing boundaries. Therefore, a neighbor or other party may be able to claim ownership to a portion of your property.

9. Undiscovered will

When a property owner dies with no apparent will or heir, the state may sell his or her assets, including the home. When you purchase such a home, you assume your rights as owner. However, even years later, the deceased owner’s will may come to light and your rights to the property may be seriously jeopardized.

10. False impersonation of previous owner

Common and similar names can make it possible to falsely “impersonate” a property owner. If you purchase a home that was once sold by a false owner, you can risk losing your legal claim to the property.

 11. Riparian rights

In dealing with water rights, the riparian doctrine states that water belongs to the person whose land borders a body of water. Riparian owners are permitted to make reasonable use of this water provided it does not unreasonably interfere with the reasonable use of this water by others with riparian rights….but not always. Different municipalities can  govern shores by tide, by season, by whim of authority having jurisdiction.  Remedy/protection- good real estate attorney specializing in riparian rights for the given municipality, good title search, good title insurance.

12. Zoning/use conflict

Properties can be located in zoning districts whose allowed uses may have changed,. If your building was also vacant for a certain period of time, the former use may not necessarily still be allowed.  Always check that your intended use for the property is permissable. Sounds basic, but you’d be surprised how many overlook this.https://seconarchitect.com/sir-youre-line-understanding-zoning-variances/

13. Hazardous materials

From fuel spills that were not documented, to asbestos containing materials , to radon- make sure you get all the relevant documentation that there is nothing to bite you later….or at least go into the deal with your eyes wide open.

oil spill cleanup

Remedy/protection

These and other issues are often covered by hiring a good local real estate attorney, doing your due diligence and obtaining title insurance. We would be happy to refer you to a suitable attorney in our area please call Steve 914 980 5532.

Article by Steven Secon