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Buying or Selling a Home/inherited house without clear title

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Expert: - 8/27/2010


Question
My husband and I have inherited a house that was knowingly purchased without clear title by his parents. My husband has tried for years to get the titled clear so it can be sold without success. The house is in California. Can the house be sold without clear title? What can we do?

Frustrated in California

Answer
Why your husband's parents would accept a house without clear title is way beyond me, Debbie. Now you will have to go through the expense and time to get it straightened out.

I would suggest hiring a good title man at, say, First American Title, and see what they can do for you. There are other competent title companies who could do a professional job, too. It may be necessary to "manufacture" a document or two to allow the property to be sold. Title companies usually know what must be done. You don't have much choice in the matter. I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis
CA Real Estate Broker
Lic # 00349415
dixiedee13@aol.com

Buying or Selling a Home

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Dick Dennis

Expertise

With more than 41 years as a real estate broker, I can solve most any problem presented. If I can`t, I do my research. Problems with mortgages, trust deeds, foreclosures, odd ways of conveying titles. Most any good Realtor can answer questions satisfactorily, but I answer questions that most cannot. Also, ask about my hard-copy newsletter, The Landed Gentry. It can also be sent to you via PDF.

Experience

Solving real estate problems for 37 years.

Organizations
National Association of Realtors

Publications
Publishes The Landed Gentry, guest writer in Who's Who in Creative Real Estate, First Tuesday, Financial Freedom and many newspapers

Education/Credentials
e-Pro Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert, Who's Who in Creative Real Estate

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