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  • 1.  Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-18-2025 10:52

     

    Title Search Secrets or As the Title Turns (As the World Turns) 

     

    When most people think of a title search, their first thought probably isn't "edge-of-your-seat drama." But every property hides its own backstory, and with the right perspective, title searches can rival the plot twists of daytime television! 

    A search examines the ownership and encumbrance history of the property. So, we can learn quite a bit about the property and its past. It's the family tree, scandal sheet, and long-lost diary of the real estate world all rolled into one. It could easily inspire a soap opera script. 

    Here's a funny illustration from my own history. While I had known my husband in high school, it was 35 years later when fate gave us a reboot worthy of General Hospital. As we began to explore a romantic relationship, it was important for me to see if he was truly a man of his word. 

    These days, most people stalk their potential date on social media. But since I had over 20 years' experience in the title industry, I took it up a notch and searched him in the Georgia state deed index.  

    Had he owned property where he told me he hadWell, yes, but I could see from the deeds that he'd owned a property jointly with his ex-wife. Then on the next deed, she was gone and someone named Doris appeared! 

    What?? He hadn't mentioned any Doris!!  

    After a little more sleuthing, the shocking twist was revealed: Doris was not a mysterious ex, but his mother! Since he had no children, he'd added her to the title after his divorce to protect the property. What a smart thing to do! 

    It was a plotline worthy of The Young and the Restless. I had discovered a woman that I'd never heard of, and he had no idea how I got that information! But our story has a happy ending-we cleared up the confusion and later married. 

    That is the magic of title work. Every deed tells a story. Every easement has a subplot. And sometimes, buried in the records, you'll find a plot twist that could rival As the World Turns. 
     

    LIFE LESSON 
    Be careful not to jump to conclusions! 



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    Janis Gaines
    Executive Director
    Real Estate Closing Path
    Kennesaw GA
    +1 (678) 331-4731
    www.realestateclosingpath.org
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  • 2.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-18-2025 11:50

    Love this!  The sleuthing is impressive and I am happy the "title report" ended happily.



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    Terri Hanson
    President and CEO
    VizionX, LLC
    The Villages FL
    +1 (970) 215-6249
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  • 3.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-19-2025 08:40

    "title searches can rival the plot twists of daytime television".  How true!  Possibly a book of interesting title searches.....



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    Arthur Schwartz
    Actuary
    Maryland Insurance Administration
    Baltimore MD
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  • 4.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-19-2025 09:22

    A friend of mine actually did write a book about strange documents found in the land records.  It's called "Dead People Should Not Sign Deeds and other curious recorded documents."  So many people in knew in law school and throughout my career wanted to be litigators because they thought real estate was boring.  They had no idea how wrong they were!



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    Laura Licastro
    Underwriting Counsel
    Westcor Land Title Insurance Company
    Maitland FL
    +1 (407) 629-5842
    ------------------------------

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  • 5.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-19-2025 15:50

    https://bbswords.com/product/dead-people-should-not-sign-deeds-and-other-curious-documents/



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    Becky Taylor NTP
    Owner
    TitleWorks, Inc.
    Fairfax VA
    +1 (703) 359-2824
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  • 6.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-25-2025 08:01

    Hi, Laura,

    Thank you for the shout-out for my "Dead People Should Not Sign Deeds™ and other curious recorded documents" book. And thank you, Becky, for the link reference and to those who ordered. 

    Also, a big thank you to my PRIA and title friends who contributed to the book. I have already received more examples, so I'll be compiling a Volume Two! More examples are welcome! [email protected]



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    Barbara Burke
    Indep Contractor
    RELS Publishing LLC
    Maitland FL
    +1 (407) 460-5180
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  • 7.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-25-2025 09:37

    You're welcome, Barbara.  It actually arrived yesterday and I started reading it last night already.  Looking forward to part 2!    

     

     

     

     

    Laura M. Licsatro | Florida Underwriting Counsel

    Board Certified Real Estate Attorney

    P: 407.629.5842 | M:727-408-1419

    Laura.Licastro@wltic.com

     

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  • 8.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-19-2025 09:20

    Thank you for sharing your story, I just love it!  And this is so true that a story lies behind property history.



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    Judy Freeman | VP of Flueid Decision Complete | Flueid
    Direct 412.219.7702 | Mobile 412.996.4665 | Toll-free +1 888-8-FLUEID
    [email protected] |
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  • 9.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-19-2025 12:58

    I loved this! I work for a state government taking title to lands conveyed by the Bureau of Land Management and often find there are plot twists with every parcel. I'm going to start thinking of the twists and turns from a soap opera perspective, lol. 

    Lacy Hamner



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    Lacy Hamner
    Alaska Department of Natural Resources
    Anchorage AK
    +1 (907) 269-8608
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  • 10.  RE: Titlle Search Soap Opera

    Posted 09-25-2025 10:24

    A one hour "made for TV" show; highlighting the value of deeds and title search would be so appreciated.  The first deed would start with a cameo from the Old West with a cowboy "making their mark" on a deed; (or an immigrant from Ellis island  proudly making their mark as they purchase their first home in America).  Followed by subdivisions from the older generation to keep the peace among children; quit claim deeds among generations; and ending with a family celebration and dinner.  (Too often title work and closings are formal and don't highlight the impacts on people, families, and generations.)



    ------------------------------
    Arthur Schwartz
    Actuary
    Maryland Insurance Administration
    Baltimore MD
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    ALTA Marketplace