Purchasing real estate via tax deed sales could be rewarding for investors and anyone expecting to buy a house at a reduction. Tax deed sales, however, require a number of steps before an individual may maintain full ownership of a property. A tax deed buy provides the buyer title to the property, but it is not always a clear title. Oftentimes, properties which are available through tax deed sales are also influenced by other liens, including mortgage holders. To obtain clear title, the buyer must complete a step-by-step process which addresses these claims on the property.

Read the records provided during this title’s shipping after purchase. These records may list some exemptions to the property, but they are not required to list all of claims on the property.

Hire a lawyer or a title company to conduct a title search on the property.

Wait until the close of the period of time for challenges in the event the title search decides that there are claims by other parties around the property. Parties with potential claims on the property are permitted only a certain quantity of time to challenge your right to the property. In California, parties have one year to challenge the sale. A challenge is set through a court proceeding, and parties are restricted concerning the grounds upon which they may base a challenge.

Use a lawyer to file a quiet title claim with the county court in the county where the property is situated. Individuals can file quiet title themselvesbut it’s suggested by many to use a lawyer.

Pay any necessary quiet title-filing fees to the county court clerk. The first filing fee in California is roughly $300, according to the law firm Kinsey Law.

Prove in court your right to a superior claim to the property. Other parties with a claim on the property might not contest your quiet title claim if they don’t believe that they have a claim that is exceptional to your claim, and a tax deed buy provides a good ground for receiving clear title. If the court rules in your favor, then you have clear title to the property.

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