Common clouds
- A mortgage paid off years ago but never released
- A judgment against someone with a similar name
- A missing signature from a spouse or heir
- A misspelled name or wrong legal description in an old deed
- An unresolved estate
How they're cleared
Recording a release from the old lender, an affidavit showing the judgment is against a different person, a corrective deed, a quitclaim from the missing party, or as a last resort, a quiet title judgment.
Start before you list
Sellers with any doubt about their title can order a search early. Clearing a cloud can take weeks, which is far easier before a buyer is waiting.
Common questions
What makes a deed invalid?
Common causes include a missing signature, lack of capacity, forgery, or a defective legal description.
Can someone put you on a deed without you knowing?
A deed can be recorded naming you, but delivery and acceptance are required for a transfer. Talk to an attorney if it happens.