Deed Service Company Targets Local Property Owners

Last Updated on Monday, 23 May 2011 14:40

The following news release was distributed to the media by the Register of Deeds office, recently:

Deed Service Company Targets Local Property Owners

Omaha, NE--If you are a homeowner in Douglas County, NE, there is a chance you might receive a letter from National Deed Service, Inc., a company that offers to provide a certified copy of a property owner's deed, to the property owner.  The catch--it'll cost you $69.50. In fact, several property owners already have been contacted, according to Diane Battiato, Douglas County Register of Deeds.

"I've received calls and letters from homeowners who want to know if the service is legitimate," said Battiato.  "They're concerned about the fee, but also about divulging information that could be used against them, in some way.  I tell them that National Deed Service, Inc. is not affiliated with our office.  More important, I point out that they shouldn't have to pay $69.50 for a copy of their deed.  Deeds are public record; any property owner can obtain a certified copy from the Douglas County Register of Deeds office for less than $10."  Battiato said that deeds are usually one or two pages.

Battiato said that owners should be very protective of their property because it is one of their most important and valuable assets.  "If an offer or service seems suspicious, you should investigate further, before you commit."