Repping my client on a cash deal with a seven-day close. Everything looked solid until closing day—then, out of nowhere, an erroneous deed shows up. Turns out the original owner passed away, the property was supposed to go to his wife, but an old business partner had recorded a conflicting deed claiming ownership. Title company and seller asked if we wanted to take title subject to. My answer? Absolutely not.
That was three months ago, and we’re still waiting for this mess to be sorted out. This is what separates professionals from amateurs.
Too many people think real estate is easy. You hear it all the time—“I’ll just buy a property and flip it” or “I’ll handle everything myself.” Until a deal like this comes up. When title issues, probate surprises, or legal disputes hit, having the right professionals in place is the difference between securing a good investment and stepping into a financial nightmare.
Shoutout to the attorneys, title reps, lenders, and agents who actually know what they’re doing. Deals like this prove that expertise isn’t optional—it’s essential.
UPDATE: the court sided with the seller and cleared the title; we are going to closing and also negotiated a lower price as market has shifted. 10 months later FYI.
This is why I never skip extended title insurance AND always ask my attorney to run a separate title search, especially with off-market or estate deals. Title companies miss stuff too.
Hope it clears up soon. Sometimes these things work out in your favor if you’re patient and prepped.
The amateurs want to skip the professionals until stuff like this hits. An attorney who understands estate law, a title officer who’s seen it all, and an agent who actually reads the deed chain that’s who saved the deal.
I’ve seen this play out firsthand, clouded title tied to a deceased owner, and suddenly someone from the past pops up with a mystery deed. You never want to move forward without clear chain of title, especially when there’s probate involved.
