Could Someone Actually Steal the Title to your Home?

Lately, quite a few clients have asked me whether someone can steal the title to their home. It seems to be one of those scary stories making the rounds, and once you hear it, it’s hard not to wonder whether you should be worried. I haven’t seen this happen to any of my own clients, but because so many people have asked, I wanted to clear up what can actually happen and share a simple way to keep an eye on your property records.

So, let’s clear up a few things.

Yes, someone theoretically could forge your signature on a deed and record it with the county. They might then try to sell your property or borrow against it. But a forged deed does not make that person the legal owner of your home. Even if it’s notarized. Even if the county records the deed.

That’s the reassuring part. The frustrating part is that a fraudulent recording could potentially still create a mess that takes time, money, and legal help to straighten out. So while you don’t need to panic, you do want to know if something unexpected shows up in your property records.

I recently read an article by my former law professor, John Weaver, in the Pierce County Lawyer about this very issue. He pointed out a free resource I wanted to pass along: the Pierce County Auditor’s Owner Alert Service.

Once you sign up, you’ll receive an email when a document is recorded that matches a name or parcel number you’ve registered. It doesn’t prevent someone from recording a fraudulent document, but it gives you a chance to catch it and respond sooner.

You can sign up here. Confirm your email address, then register your parcel number and the versions of your name that appear on your property records. You can monitor up to 10 entries per email address. The service covers new recordings in Pierce County, so if you own property elsewhere, check with that county about similar options.

If you receive an alert, take a look at the document. It may be something perfectly ordinary, like paperwork related to a refinance, or it may involve someone who shares your name. But if it concerns your property and looks suspicious, contact an attorney and/or law enforcement promptly. The Auditor’s Office can notify you, but it cannot undo the fraud for you.

My take? This is a useful, free service and worth signing up for. Your home is an important asset. Keeping an eye on its records is a sensible way to help look after it.

This post provides general information and is not legal advice for your particular situation nor does it establish an attorney client relationship.