Descriptions:

TAX REPORT: Our Tax Report includes the current and previous year’s real estate tax amount, payment status, assessment details, delinquent information, and redemption amount.

MUNICIPAL LIEN SEARCH: The Municipal Lien Search Report includes: Real Estate Property Taxes (Tax Report as described above), Special Assessments, Open/Expired Building Permits, Building Code Violations (open citations, notice of violations and notice of liens), and Utilities (unpaid water, sewer, solid waste, and lien information). The Municipal Lien Search Reports are especially useful for foreclosure properties to avoid the liability of unpaid liens that are not of record at the county level.

METHODS USED TO GET INFO: Below are the methods we use to obtain tax and lien information:

Calling: Calling the agencies is the most often used tool for obtaining information.
e-Fax: Some agencies would prefer us to request information via fax.
Website: Searching the information online is another tool used. But we still call the agencies to confirm that the information on the website is accurate.
Mail Away Service: Some counties require us to send a written request and a check, and often charge their own fee for information; mostly in the 6 states of Connecticut (CT), Kentucky (KY), Massachusetts (MA), New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), and Rhode Island (RI), but a few are in other states. These counties are all priced individually, as they may have mailing costs and additional county costs in order to provide information. Since reporting is not standardized nationwide, as an assurance to you, when we run into variables (additional costs and turnaround times) we will notify you. And we will always get a fee/ETA approval from you before processing these Mail Away Service orders.
Walk-in Service: About 1% of agencies will only provide info in person, and we do have field abstractors available for each and every county to obtain the information. We will get a fee/ETA approval from you before processing these Walk-in Service orders.

Caveats:

TAXES: We have a list of 2,844 counties in which we can get the tax info without doing Mail Away Service or Walk-in Service, at the flat fee/ETA above. Please request this list if needed:AccountManager@RealTitleServicesInc.com. The additional counties–which are mostly in the 6 states of Connecticut (CT), Kentucky (KY), Massachusetts (MA), New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), and Rhode Island (RI), but a few are in other states–are all priced individually, as they may have mailing costs and additional county costs in order to provide information, and/or walk-in fees. So since reporting is not standardized nationwide, as an assurance to you, when we run into variables (additional costs and turnaround times) we will notify you. And we will always get a fee/ETA approval from you before processing these Mail Away Service or Walk-In Service orders.

MUNICIPAL LIEN SEARCHES: 6 business days applies to municipalities where all information is available online or via the phone. Other municipalities may require Mail Away Service or Walk-In Service. It is not always possible to know which municipalities these are prior to starting the search. So since reporting is not standardized nationwide, as an assurance to you, when we run into variables (additional costs and turnaround times) we will notify you. And we will always get a fee/ETA approval from you before processing these Mail Away Service or Walk-In Service orders.

We can take up to 100-plus files per-day.

To place orders, please send them to Orders@RealTitleServicesInc.com

Questions: AccountManager@RealTitleServicesInc.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tax Report and Municipal Lien Report Fees

Q. What is a tax report, and why is it important?
A tax report provides details on property taxes associated with a specific parcel of land. Potential buyers and investors must understand any outstanding tax liabilities that may affect ownership and financial obligations.

Q. What is included in a municipal lien report?
A municipal lien report includes information on unpaid municipal charges, such as water and sewer fees, code violations, and other liens that may exist on a property. This report helps identify potential issues that could impact property ownership or its marketability.

Q. What are the typical fees associated with obtaining a tax report and municipal lien report?
Fees for obtaining these reports can vary depending on the service provider and jurisdiction. It is advisable to check with the service provider for specific pricing information.

Q. How long does it take to receive a tax or municipal lien report?
The turnaround time for these reports typically ranges from a few days to a week, depending on the workload of the service provider and the accuracy of the information requested.

Q. Are tax reports and municipal lien reports necessary for all real estate transactions?
While not always required, obtaining these reports is highly recommended for buyers and investors to uncover any financial liabilities or legal concerns that may influence their purchasing decisions.

Q. What happens if a lien is discovered on a property after purchase?
If a lien is discovered post-purchase, the new property owner may be held responsible for settling the outstanding debts. This situation can lead to legal complications and financial strain; acquiring these reports is a prudent step in the buying process.

Q. Can tax and municipal lien reports vary from one municipality to another?
Yes, regulations and fees for tax and municipal lien reports can vary significantly from one municipality to another. It’s important to consult local guidelines to obtain accurate and relevant information.

Q. How can property owners rectify any issues found in these reports?
Property owners should contact the relevant municipal or tax authority to determine the steps needed to resolve any outstanding issues listed in their tax or municipal lien reports.

Q. Are these reports available to the general public?
Yes, tax and municipal lien reports are generally considered public records, and interested parties can request access to this information, usually for a nominal fee, through local government offices or authorized service providers.

These FAQs offer insights into the important aspects of tax and municipal lien reports, guiding both potential buyers and current property owners in understanding their significance and implications in real estate transactions.