A couple of questions about county property records

 We paid off our mortgage two years ago, and finally got around to going
over to the county offices to check to see if things were properly recorded
today.  I know that it doesn't really matter what I have in hand, but
that what is recorded with the County is what matters...yes?

I never got an official payoff letter from CitiMortgage, but I did get
a couple of letters from them at the time I paid it off, which satisified
me that I didn't "need" anything else.   One letter was a "Congratulations
on paying off your mortgage...yadda" letter, and another was that
my final payment was short by $18.65 for paying off the loan in
full and that they were advancing the amount on my behalf, but would
need to be reimbursed, which I promptly did, and the check cleared
a week later.

Anyway, all that is recorded at my County office that handles
deeds and such is the Warranty Deed, Security Deed that
I got at closing, and something called Discharge of Deed
to Secure Debt.  I assume this is the same as a Lein Release
or Satisfaction of Mortgage that I've heard people mention.

This Discharge of Deed to Secure Debt seems to verify that
the place is owned free and clear by us, but with all the
legalese, I'm not quite 100% sure.   I know some of you
are probably veterans of buying and selling houses, so does
this sound like all is well?  Thanks.

  In my experience, when I satisfy (pay off) a loan, I get back the
original loan documents that I signed.

All the holder of a mortgage or other loan can do is provide proof
that they no longer have an interest in your property.  They cannot
show you own the property free and clear because that isn't under
their control.  You could have a second mortgage, etc., or some
other cloud on the title.

    Una

 

Yes.  Essentially you have what I call a release of lien (for this
lender only).   They don't know nor care if you have other liens as
long as their lien is satisfied.   You may not have another lien at
the time the first is satisfied but later you may get one for major
improvements or repairs.

 

 Well, Congratulations ! Indeed.  I hope all the paperwork is in order.

--
when you believe the only tool you have is a hammer.
All problems look like nails.