by Kathy Lockwood

Stewart Title Central Jersey

It has recently come to my attention that people are receiving a letter in the mail from a company, not even located in New Jersey, describing the importance of having a copy of a Deed to confirm their property ownership.  The tone and vernacular used in the letter would lead any unsuspecting person to fear the worse should they find that they do not have their original Deed.  The company offered to remedy this by sending a “Certified Copy from the County Clerk’s Office” for a mere $79.95….payable by credit card, of course.

As we know, the original document would have, in nearly all cases, been provided to the homeowner shortly after closing.  The value of recording the instrument in the Clerk’s Office is to provide a permanent record of ownership.  Any New Jersey resident that finds that they do not have a copy of their Deed, can access their County’s registrar’s office, either in person or online, and get a copy for free.  Should the need for a Certified Copy arise, it also can be obtained for generally less than $25.00.

As New Jersey title agents, we can provide valuable information to homeowners throughout the state at a very modest cost and we welcome the opportunity to be of service.

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