How to Verify Land Ownership Before Buying: 7 Easy Steps to Avoid Scams
Hey there! So, you're thinking about buying some land, huh? That's awesome! But, before you hand over your hard-earned cash, it's super important to make sure the person selling the land actually owns it. You don't wanna end up in a sticky situation, right? Well here at Thelandservice.net I want to help you make sure you are not getting screwed over as I have seen it happen many times to buyers. I have a section on my website specifically for the buyers coming to my site to help with this called “Verify Ownership” but…. If you are not looking to buy low down affordable land with me these rules can still apply to anywhere you are searching for land. Always make sure you know some simple steps to confirming someone owns the land and the legitness of the business before buying Here's how you can verify land ownership:
1. Ask for a Copy of the Deed
Start by requesting a picture or copy of the deed from the seller. This document shows who legally owns the property. If the seller hesitates or can't provide it, that's a big red flag.
2. Contact the County Office
Every piece of land is registered in the county where it's located. Give the county's recorder or assessor's office a call. Provide them with the property's details, and they can confirm who the current owner is.
3. Look Up Online County Records
Many counties have online databases where you can search property records. Just enter the property's address or parcel number, and you can see who owns it. This is a quick way to cross-check the information the seller provides. The best way too look these things up online is to search Parcel GIS search in ( County Name) , (State Name) and then most counties have GIS maps that let you search the parcels to see the name on the land
4. Check the Seller's Reputation
If you're buying from a company, do a little digging. Look at their reviews on platforms like eBay or Google. For example we, The Land Service have reviews on our eBay profile and Google. Reading about other buyers' experiences can give you peace of mind.
5. Talk to the Seller Directly
Sometimes, a simple conversation can tell you a lot. Give the seller a call as most land sales are done online now you can vet the caller by reading simple communication skills between them. Ask them questions about the property, its history, and any other details. Their responses can help you gauge their legitimacy.
6. Consult a Title Company
This step is not necessarily needed and would be a paid avenue usually. For an extra layer of security, consider hiring a title company. They specialize in verifying property ownership and can provide a comprehensive title report. This report will show any liens, disputes, or other issues that might affect the property's title.
7. Be Wary of Scams
Unfortunately, there are scammers out there trying to sell land they don't own. Always be cautious, especially if the deal seems too good to be true. Trust your instincts, and don't rush into anything without doing your homework.
Remember, buying land is a big investment. Taking the time to verify ownership can save you from potential headaches down the road. Happy land hunting!
For low down affordable land all over the U.S. Visit us Thelandservice.net Cheap land with affordable financing online plus now you know how to verify ownership on any vacant land you are looking for!