Category Archives: Chain of title
Update on data resources during COVID-19 pandemic
Measures taken by government agencies to stymie the ongoing pandemic have resulted in unique situations across the country affecting consultants’ abilities to access public data. The subsequent building closures, skeleton staffs, and work from home orders mean that access to … Continue reading
New Jersey case highlights need for environmental due diligence in residential transactions
Image: Sean O’Flaherty In recent years it has become clear that home buyers need to be just as mindful of conducting environmental due diligence as commercial property owners. As we develop and redevelop properties, determining prior uses is crucial … Continue reading
Researching environmental activity/use limitations (AULs)
Environmental activity/use limitations (AULs) are legal restrictions filed for two main reasons: The prevention of exposure to environmental contamination and the management of public health and environmental risks associated with a property that has been contaminated. It is important … Continue reading
Three things to consider when researching inherited lands
When conducting an environmental chain of title, or any historical property research, you will eventually encounter inherited lands. Family conveyances become much more prevalent as you work your way backward in the property history. With so many different ways … Continue reading
Three steps to conducting a chain of title in virtually any US county
For county-level title researchers, the “70-year chain of title search” is one of the most complex and labor-intensive searches. Title searches often require a researcher to revisit a time when property ownership laws and practices were much different than … Continue reading