News Releases
Deed Company Preying On Unsuspecting Home Owners
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, February 7, 2008 -- A clever letter campaign targeting Hampton Roads home owners is being conducted by an Illinois company. Although the letter does not break the law, it comes across as something you should urgently do -- obtain from them a Certified Copy of your Deed.
Real estate attorney Scott Alperin of Alperin Law provided the following tips for anyone receiving the letter:
• Most law firms that handle real estate transactions provide homebuyers with the original recorded Deed.
• There is no compelling reason for you to maintain a "certified" copy of your Deed.
• If for some reason you need a clerk-certified copy of your Deed, you can write or visit your City Clerk's office and obtain a certified copy of your Deed for about $2 per document, plus about 50 cents per page (each city may vary). An average Deed is two pages, so that's about $3.00 for a certified copy -- a far better price than what the Illinois company offers.
• If you need a certified copy of your Deed and would rather not deal with the City Clerk's office, most law firms that handle real estate transactions can obtain a court certified copy for you.
• Home owners should possess a copy of their Deed as a means to confirm ownership of their property, but a copy of your recorded Deed is always available at your city or county courthouse.
• When someone responds to the Illinois letter or a similar campaign, they're essentially giving their financial (credit card/checking account) information to these unknown companies.
• If anyone is asking about your Deed, contact someone knowledgeable in this area of the law.
About Scott Alperin
Scott Alperin is the founder and owner of Alperin Law, a Virginia Beach-base law firm that specializes in Residential and Commercial Real Estate, Tax Deferred Exchanges, Land Use and Zoning, Business Law, Business Formation, and Estate Planning. He has been admitted to the Bar in three states -- Virginia, Georgia and Maryland. Over the past 12 years, his deep understanding of the law has assisted countless clients.
Scott Alperin contact
scott@alperinlaw.com, (757) 490-3500
