At Team Title Guy, we believe education = power, and one of the biggest blind spots we see in real estate transactions involves something called an uninsured deed.
Sounds harmless, right? Not so fast.
An uninsured deed is any deed that has not been examined and insured by a title company—meaning it could come with hidden baggage like unpaid liens, ownership disputes, or even forged signatures. Translation? Major headaches during the sale of a property.
🔍 What’s the Risk?
Sometimes uninsured deeds are created to add or remove family members from a title, often using instruments like quitclaim deeds. While common, these transactions can create long-term problems if not handled properly.
Here are just a few questions that must be asked before an uninsured deed is accepted:
- Can all signers’ signatures be verified?
- Was the deed signed voluntarily (without stress or duress)?
- Was this to avoid creditors or secure a loan?
- Was it a gift? Was proper consideration given?
Without this level of vetting, a future buyer—or worse, you—could end up facing serious legal hurdles.
✅ Why Title Insurance Matters
At Fidelity National Title, our job is to ensure the deed is not only legally recorded, but also backed by a comprehensive background check to catch any red flags. This is where simple preparation pays off.
A few smart tips for homeowners:
- Always work with a qualified title company (yes, like us 😉)
- Confirm dates and signatures are accurate
- Never DIY your deed work—always let a professional handle it
🙋♂️ So, Should You Be Concerned?
If you’ve added someone to a title, gifted property to a family member, or received a property via quitclaim deed, now is the time to ask questions. Don’t wait until you’re in escrow to find out there’s a problem.
📞 Call to Action: Let’s Clear the Air
Have questions? Not sure if your deed is properly insured?
Contact Ryan J. Orr at Fidelity National Title—your Inland Empire title expert and trusted guide at www.TeamTitleGuy.com. Let us review your situation and help you avoid any future surprises. Whether it’s a sale, refi, or trust transfer, we’ve got you covered.
Because when it comes to title, it’s Win-Win or No Deal.
And now—with a little more hair 😎
