The easiest way to prove ownership is to provide a property deed. But sometimes events such as natural disasters destroy the house and documents and providing documents after experiencing a disaster can be challenging. This is where other methods must be used to prove ownership. In this paper, we have tried to briefly introduce all these methods.
Read more: 14 Ways to Increase the Value of Your Home
Contents
- 1 Best Methods
- 1.1 A copy of the property deed
- 1.2 A copy of purchase documents
- 1.3 A copy of mortgage payment records
- 1.4 Title for a mobile home
- 1.5 Affidavit of ownership
- 1.6 Property tax receipts
- 1.7 Homeowner’s insurance
- 1.8 Identification documents
- 1.9 Sales agreements
- 1.10 Utility bills in your name
- 1.11 Official mail
- 2 Conclusion
Best Methods
The importance of being a property owner becomes clear when you can prove that it belongs to you in certain circumstances using reasoned and convincing methods. However, one should always be prepared for special situations such as natural disasters. In this paper, we have tried to briefly introduce all these methods that help you.
A copy of the property deed
Have a copy of the property deed. The best way to prove the ownership of the house is to have a title deed or deed with your name on it. Deeds are usually recorded in the recorder’s office of the county where the property is located.
In case you lose the title deed, there is a copy of it in the recorder’s office. If for some reason you do not have access to the recorder’s office, contact your state government to obtain information about the document.
A copy of purchase documents
If you don’t have access to the title deed, a copy of the contract can come in handy when buying a home. The problem is that this document can only prove your ownership of the house for a period and does not mean your permanent ownership of the house.
Of course, if no one challenges you to own the house, you can use documents such as receipts for property tax payments or a homeowner’s insurance policy along with this document.
A copy of mortgage payment records
Provide copies of mortgage payment records. Just like paying property taxes, someone who does not own a house will never make the mortgage payment on that house. When the mortgage is in your name, it means you own the house. Because the lender will not give you a loan without ensuring your legal ownership.
Title for a mobile home
Although the title deed for the mobile home cannot be a claim on the land under the mobile home, it can be effective since the title deed is the structure itself.
Affidavit of ownership
Complete and sign the affidavit of ownership. The affidavit is the legal document that you must sign in the presence of the notary public. When you sign it, you admit under penalty of perjury that you own the home.
Note that this method should be used as one of the last methods of proof of ownership. If you sign the affidavit, provide mortgage, tax, and insurance records along with it.
Property tax receipts
You don’t need to own a home to pay property taxes. But if you have been paying property taxes for several years, it can be a good document to prove your ownership claim.
If you do not have personal access to the relevant records, these records are available at the tax assessor’s office in the county where you live and the name of the payer is listed. One thing to note is that it is difficult to prove ownership through this method.
Homeowner’s insurance
You can offer homeowner’s insurance. You may not have the mortgage installment receipt. This is where you can get your insurance policy and payment records by visiting the insurance company.
This also has its challenges. Insurance companies must confirm the ownership of the house by you before issuing the homeowner’s insurance policy.
Identification documents
Try to provide occupancy. Many of your identification documents, such as a government-issued driver’s license, contain your residential address, which shows that you live there. Having a certificate does not prove that you own the house, but it does prove that you live there.
Sales agreements
Your address may be mentioned in the agreements for the sale of home appliances. This indicates that you live in that house. If you don’t have these documents, you may be able to obtain a copy of the agreements or sales invoice by asking the store where you purchased the items.
Utility bills in your name
A water or electricity bill can be a good proof of residence. If you don’t have a copy, ask your local electricity or water department to issue one. On the other hand, it can also help if you can prove your connection to someone who uses the apartment’s water or electricity utilities.
Official mail
Provide official letters sent to your home address. Naturally, you may have been associated with different companies and offices. It is enough to provide the letters they sent to your address as proof of residence in your place of residence.
Conclusion
We have introduced you almost all the methods of proving the ownership of the house. Some of these methods are more powerful and some methods have challenges. In any case, the most important principle in proving ownership is to collect complete documents and consult with experts.
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