BBB and WA Attorney General’s Office Warn
STATE RECORD RETRIEVAL BOARD Targeting SEWA Area with Misleading Direct Mail about Obtaining Property Deeds for a Fee
CA HQ has F rating with BBB, Using Olympia, WA Drop Box
Phone: (888) 637-2652
Using Olympia, WA drop box of:
1001 Cooper Point Road SW
Suite 140, PMB-263
Olympia, WA 98502
It was brought to BBB’s attention this morning by the Eastern Division of the WA Attorney General’s Office that they were made aware that the above-mentioned company is sending misleading mailings to Clarkston, WA area residents using an Olympia, WA drop box, stating why the company believes you need to obtain a copy of your property deed from them for a fee of $87.
This company’s headquarters are located in CA and has an F rating with BBB for two unanswered complaints. Customers report having received a letter from the company that lists their deed number that recommends that landowners keep a certified copy of their deed on hand as evidence that the property was transferred properly. The letter conveys a sense of urgency. The tone suggests homeowners have to obtain a deed from them.
BBB ADVICE
If you have an unresolved issue concerning this company, or wish to file a letter of experience about their selling practices, we urge you to file with BBB at: www.bbb.org You can also file with your state Attorney General’s Office, as well.
Consumers are advised that their county recorder’s office keeps property deeds on file and at any time, consumers can request a certified copy of their deed from their own county auditor/recorder’s office if they need it for anywhere from $3.00 to $10, depending upon the number of pages.
Is there an advantage to paying this company to do what you can do yourself? It is cheaper to order a certified copy from your local County Auditor/Recorder's office.
Do you even need a certified copy of your deed? The most important consideration is whether you really need a certified copy in the first place. If you already have the original, then no. And if you sell the property, you won't need the deed to sign it over to the buyer; you'll have a new deed prepared for that purpose. You might need the old deed only to obtain the property description. Indeed, for most reasons you might want or think you need a copy of your deed, you could just photocopy it; certification wouldn't be necessary. What if you lose your original deed? The BBB suggests obtaining a certified copy from your County Auditor.
Bottom line? If you're convinced that you need a certified copy of your deed, weigh these issues and questions before paying more for something than you really need!
BBB BUSINESS REVIEW for STATE RECORD RETRIEVAL BOARD
http://www.la.bbb.org/Business-Report/State-Record-Retrieval-Board-100096224
