We are Mahaska County's local abstract company, priding ourselves in our established relationships with local real estate agencies, lawyers, and financial institutions. Our reputation is known for accurate and reliable reporting with a dedicated and knowledgeable team, having over 100+ years of combined experience.
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is to provide our customers with prompt, efficient, accurate and courteous service, by being the best possible title researchers and maintaining a current in-house, computerized plant with a commitment to the betterment of the community we serve.
BENEFITS OF OUR SERVICE
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Personal knowledge of Mahaska County, the land, and the people
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Complete tract indexes from government entry to the present
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Over 100 years of combined title research experience
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Completely automated services
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Accurate records
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Member of the Iowa Land Title Association and the American Land Title Association
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Member of the Iowa Title Guaranty Division
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Continued education by staff through attendance of annual schooling and title member meetings
Abstracts & Titles...
Title evidence is essential for the protection of a buyer, whether provided as a valid abstract or insurance form. The seller of real estate is responsible for proof of title. Abstracts are the official public records of real estate ownership history.
Attorneys use abstracts to indicate the validity of the title. The abstract is examined by an attorney and a title opinion is made. The attorney examines the abstract to secure marketable title by objecting to irregularities and requiring judgments, liens, or encumbrances to be satisfied before transferring the title.
The title opinion based on the abstract states the proof of title and lists requirements that need to be met to establish clear title to the real estate. The requirements would make note of any liens or judgments against title holders or against the real estate. For example, if the seller has a mortgage on the real estate, the abstract would show the mortgage. Then the examining attorney would require that the mortgage be released of record to clear title to the real estate.
The abstract used in conjunction with the title opinion provides the same protection as title insurance. Depending on the mortgagor the buyer is using, title insurance may be necessary for the lender to guaranty no losses due to defects in the title. Title insurance is a contract to protect an owner and lender against defects in the proof of real estate owned.