CHARLENE PERRY’s Blog ::

We are all familier with the current land title system wherein the individual States and their respective County clerks are responsible for “keeping the books” on the transfer of real estate in their respective jurisdictions.  

A recently introduced bill will require that HUD study a Federal Land Title System (HR 6460) sponsored by Mary Kaptur (D-OH) which would, if passed, pave the way for a National Torrens System.  The Torrens System is not commonly used in the United States but is used in may parts of Europe.  

What is the difference between the current land title system and the Torrens System? and Why do I Care?

The main difference between a common law title and a Torrens title is that a member of the general community, acting in good faith, can rely on the information on the land register as to the rights and interests of parties recorded there, and act on the basis of that information. A prospective purchaser, for example, is not required to look beyond that record. He or she does not need even to examine the Certificate of Title, the register information being paramount. This contrasts with a common-law title, which is based on the principle that a vendor cannot transfer to a purchaser a greater interest than he or she owns. As with a chain, the seller’s title is as good as “the weakest link” of the chain of title. Accordingly, if a vendor’s common-law title is defective in any way, so would be the purchaser’s title. Hence, it is incumbent on the purchaser to ensure that the vendor’s title is beyond question. This may involve both inquiries and an examination of the “chain of title.”