Texas County Recorder of Deeds Susan Warkentin and Texas County Assessor Debbie James warn real estate owners, especially new homeowners, to be wary of being targeted by high-priced offers for copies of deeds.
Warkentin said firms are offering deed copies for nearly $90 that can be purchased from her office for $1 per page. Other information in the ‘profile’ may be obtained for little or no charge from the assessor’s office.
Since the Herald reported in August 2011 a Fulton company was offering deed copies through the mail, Warkentin said similar firms in Washington, D.C., and Jefferson City began making similar offers with a new twist, using envelopes designed to look like they are from a governmental agency. They offer property owners copies of their deeds and a ‘property profile’ for $85-$89.
Warkentin said “most property deeds are no more than two pages and that most property owners already have their original property deed in their possession.”
“I am concerned about companies taking advantage of our citizens by not being fully truthful,” Warkentin said. “While this practice is not illegal, it is outrageous. If anyone receives one of these letters, I would urge them to ignore it and contact our office. The Recorder’s Association of Missouri has notified the attorney general’s office of this matter.”
To obtain copies of deeds and other related information, contact the Texas County recorder’s office at 417-967-8438 or the Texas County assessor’s office at 417-967-4709. Both offices are at 210 N. Grand Ave. in Houston.