We often prepare deeds for our clients as part of our estate planning or Medicaid asset protection planning. We may deed a couple’s home into their revocable trust, or we may have a spouse who’s facing long-term care in a nursing home sign a deed transferring his interest in the real estate to his spouse who’s still living at home.
Once a deed is signed, it must be recorded at the county Register of Deeds office. After recording, the Register of Deeds will mail the original deed back to the owners of the property. Copies of the recorded deed can be located and printed for free from most Register of Deeds websites.
Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous companies who try to trick consumers into paying for a copy of their deed. These companies search the Register of Deeds websites for recent transactions and then mail an invoice to the property owners, often titled “Recorded Deed Notice” asking for payment of $109.00 or more. An organization called “Property Site” with a California return address sends out a “Recorded Deed Notice” that looks like an invoice from an official government office, and if you don’t read the fine print, you may think you have to pay it. In my opinion, this “service” is a scam and you should not pay this bill! The Register of Deeds will send you your original deed for free, and you can print copies out for free from their website. You do not have to pay over a hundred dollars for a copy.
If you receive a “Recorded Deed Notice” or other unexpected bill after your attorney records a deed for you, don’t pay it. If you’re not sure if the mailing you received is valid, consult your lawyer who can advise you on whether the mailing you received is a legitimate bill or a scam.
Amanda Spence is an Estate and Elder Law attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina. She has been assisting clients in counties throughout North Carolina for thirty years. To schedule an appointment with Amanda, contact her at 919-863-4183.