Deed Service Company Targets Local Property Owners—Again

Attention Douglas County residents: There is a chance you might receive a letter from Record Transfer Services, a company that offers to provide a certified copy of a property owner’s deed, property-assessment profile or other record of title to the property owner.  Here’s the catch—it’ll cost you $83.

In fact, this is not the first time that property owners have been contacted by companies like Record Transfer Services, according to Diane Battiato, Douglas County Assessor/Register of Deeds.  A few years ago, a company called National Deed Service, Inc. was contacting property owners in the area and making the same type of offer.

“This is the second year in a row that Record Transfer Services has approached Douglas County owners.  Recently, a homeowner sent the information to me that he had received from Record Transfer Services,” said Battiato.  “He was concerned about the legitimacy of the company, the fee, and also about sharing information that could be used against him, in some way.  I told him that Record Transfer Services is not affiliated with our office.  More importantly, I pointed out that you shouldn’t have to pay $83 for a copy of your deed.  Deeds are public record; any property owner can obtain a certified copy from the Douglas County Assessor/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.”