What do I do about property that I sold in which the buyer never filed the deed at the courthouse?
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What do I do about property that I sold in which the buyer never filed the deed at the courthouse?
Over 10 years ago I sold some property in a subdivision that requires membership dues to be paid. I sold the property free of all liens and all property taxes and membership dues were current. I am now receiving letters from the property association and collection agencies stating that I owe several thousand dollars in membership fees. I contacted the property association and informed them that I sold the property over a decade ago and mailed them a copy of the Bill of Sale and Warranty Deed.
Asked on June 2, 2011 under Real Estate Law, Texas
Answers:
M.T.G., Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Then as far as the legalities of the matter go you remain the existing owner of the property. That being said then you also remain liable for the taxes and water charges or what ever else - like property association fees - because you are the owner of record. You have a copy of the deed. That is a good thing. Do you know where the purchaser is at this point in time? Can you contact that person and figure out what happened? Speak with an attorney about the possibility of recording a copy of the deed. That may or may not be possible in your state but you really need to do that asap. Good luck.
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