ForeclosureTips To Locate Liens

ForeclosureTips Where to Start

The starting point for every foreclosure investor is in the Clerk of Circuit Courts office. The Clerk of Courts is responsible for the maintaining of recording documents. For every foreclosure, in every county, there will have been assigned a case number upon initiating the foreclosure process. Regarless of weather you get your auction list by link from the Clerk of Courts Office or legal advertisement from the newspaper, it will contain the case number.

ForeclosureTips Retreiving Case Files

The cases are filed according to the case file number. While there may be a records division in some counties where you can view the foreclosure cases, in other counties the foreclosure case files may be held at general recording. The best place to start is at general recording in the civil division of the Clerk of Courts Office. Regardless of the office holding and maintaining the files, you will need a case number for retrieval of the file.

You can't view the case files on line in most counties, it requires a trip to the Clerk of Courts Office, in the county the property resides in.

ForeclosureTips Clerks Links

A link to every Clerk of Courts Office in Florida can be accessed from here.

ForeclosureTips/ Every Clerk's Link Accessed

ForeclosureTips In the Case File

In the case file you will be able to find liens, judgments and mortgages recorded which encumber the property.

What is typically found in the file:

• The first document lists Plaintiff expenses and judgment amount
• A copy of the mortgage or lien which is being foreclosed
• A copy of the conveyance or deed to the current owner from the prior owner
• Copies of promissory notes, liens, judgments other mortgages, if applicable
• Letter of Service upon parties of interest
• Notice of Default
• Notice of Hearing
• Signed judgment
• Copy of advertisement
• Notice of Action
• Lis Pendens
• Clerk's Affidavit
• Certification of Sale
• A bid sheet

ForeclosureTips Timing and Reporting

The time between judgment and auction can sometimes be months. It is for this reason you will need to conduct your own title search, just prior to the auction. By viewing the file and assessing which liens survive, you can make a good judgment call as to weather the property is worth pursuing farther.

ForeclosurTips Using Public Records

The Clerk of Courts maintains and records vital documents into the official county records. Every county has a Clerk of Courts which is responsible for this. The official records books are where you will find liens, mortgages, conveyances, judgments and other vital records. Most County Clerk of Courts will have a link to the official records from their homepage. In a few smaller counties, you will need to conduct your search at the courthouse.

I have supplied a list of all the links to the different counties official records and county clerks offices in Florida, above. In those counties which do not currently have access to their official records online I have supplied a link to MyFlorida where document viewing is limited. Having the ability to view official recorded documents online, makes title research much easier. More will be discussed on conducting your title search in a later page.

The information found here is my opinion and should not be interpreted or construed as legal or professional advice. No legal or professional advice is being given and the use of this information is at the readers own risk and peril. It is advised that those considering this investment should seek qualified legal and professional services.

Mortgage Foreclosure (on nav bar)
The portal page for Florida Mortgage Foreclosure Investors.

Foreclosure, What is
Foreclosure Types, What Is & Why Buy, Find Your Free Auction List.

Foreclosure Auction Basics
The Basics, Winning Strategy, Requirements

Foreclosure Liens
You had better know what is superior before you bid.

Foreclosure Lien Finding
Locate Liens and Mortgages using the case file.

ForeclosureInfo
What can be found where, creating a superiority checklist, chain of title tips, foreclosure file retrieval.

Foreclosure Buying
Buying foreclosures before the auction. The winning strategy for buying from the property owners. Short Sales Info.

Foreclosure Deals
How to contact the bank first, after they obtained title from a foreclosure sale. Be first and win.

Foreclosure Research Tips
D.I.Y. title search, title reports, info on how to conduct due diligence.

Foreclosure Profits
How to keep your profit and save big money with these tips.

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