Main Office:
55 Patchen Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 860-4767
Southern Office:
3533 Woodstock Road, White River Junction, VT 05001
(802) 698-8327
Email: office@peetlaw.com • Fax: (802) 860-2822
Business Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm
Main Office:
55 Patchen Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
(802) 860-4767
Southern Office:
3533 Woodstock Rd, White River Junction, VT 05001
(802) 698-8327
Email:
office@peetlaw.com • Fax:
(802) 860-2822 •
Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00 am-5 pm
TITLE SEARCHES
A title search is a thorough investigation into the history and status of a property's title and is essential in ensuring clear ownership.
The title search requires us to search back forty years plus one deed prior to the forty years to make sure no prior owner improperly encumbered the property. We will examine each deed in this chain of title to be sure the property was properly conveyed to each owner. We will also check the period of time that each of the prior owners had the property to be sure they did not improperly encumber the property. If we discover issues with the title to the property, we will notify the attorney for the seller and request that the seller cure the title issues. If we discover a serious title problem, it might delay or prevent your purchase.
Please be aware that our title search is not a guarantee of good title. There are many things that can be wrong with title to a property that a perfect title search will not reveal. We recommend an owners title insurance policy to protect against this risk.
Our title report will not guarantee boundary lines or the number of acres being purchased. If you have boundary line or acreage concerns, we recommend you consult a surveyor. Our title search does not determine the value of the property. To determine the value of the property, we suggest you consult with an appraiser. Our title search does not include any determination as to the condition of the property, compliance with any permit conditions, location in flood zone, location in a wetland, or any other matter which can be determined by a physical inspection of the property.
To protect against these risks, we recommend you consult with a professional home inspector, engineer and other appropriate professionals. If the property has an on-site septic system, our office will make no determination as to the status of the septic system. We strongly recommend you consult with an engineer to determine the condition of the septic system and to let us know if the septic system has failed. Our title search will not determine the quantity or quality of water from a drilled well or other private water system. We recommend you have a water test completed and have an engineer inspect the well. Please let us know if you learn of a failure of either the septic system or water supply as this will trigger permitting requirements. We would be happy to provide you referrals to other professionals who can help you with any of these matters.
Our title search does not include a search of the neighboring properties. We will make no representations as to current or potential uses of neighboring properties. We will make no determination of neighboring well or septic isolation distances which may encroach on to your property. The isolation distances from a neighbor’s well and septic system may impact where you can install new or replacement wells or septic systems or prevent their installation altogether. We encourage you to consult with an engineer to make determinations of well and septic isolation distances
After the closing, our office will conduct up to three post-closing title updates to check for required mortgage discharges or other lien releases, and we will send up two letters seeking mortgage discharges or releases. If we are unsuccessful in obtaining required mortgage discharges or other lien releases following the two letters, we can refer you to a litigation attorney or a professional discharge tracking service for additional assistance.