Legal Question in Real Estate Law in California

Can a Title Company file a Deed on property not funded

I lost my State disability in May 2004, so I was unable to make my loan payments since I have no income. My fiancee moved in and we got married. We then applied for a refinance loan. We were told the loan was approved. We signed all the Title company papers with a notery. Three weeks after we signed all the Title papers . For three weeks after I signed all the papers, the loan company kept calling wanting more information about things on my credit report and my loan payment history before they could fund the loan. This pushed my default into 120 days and they said they couldn't do the loan. I put the house up for sale and my Real Estate Agent discovered that the loan company had filed a deed on my property the day we signed the escrow papers. Now I have a buyer for my home, but will lose the sale due to the new deed being filed. Can the laon company register a deed without funding a loan or without approving a loan? If I have to find another buyer, escrow will not close in time to avoid foreclosure and I will lose my equity.


Asked on 8/18/04, 5:44 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Bryan Whipple Bryan R. R. Whipple, Attorney at Law

Re: Can a Title Company file a Deed on property not funded

Filed a deed? Possibly you have mis-identified the document. A deed would have to be executed by you as grantor and given to a buyer, the grantee, for recordation. More likely, the lender has "filed" (recorded) a Notice of Default.

I suggest you have the real estate person or someone give you a better description of what was "filed" and then get back to me.

If a foreclosure is under way, and it sounds that way, you should be receiving notices by certified mail and, more important, you should do something about it, especially if you have equity in the house and/or have an opportunity to sell it voluntarily at a price you consider acceptable.

Maybe the prospective buyer could advance enough cash to pay off the deficiency and shut off the foreclosure. This might take some negotiation with the lender if the loan has an acceleration clause, but most lenders would rather be brought current than pursue a foreclosure.

I'm sorry I can't be of much help without having what's going on described to me using the proper terms for the documents and processes. I recommend getting your real estate professional to help you with these details, then write me or get a free initial consultation with a local real-estate lawyer.

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Answered on 8/18/04, 7:35 pm
Larry Rothman Larry Rothman & Associates

Re: Can a Title Company file a Deed on property not funded

Please contact my office at 714 363 0220 to set up an appointment. I would like to review your written documentation including any letters, notices, and lawsuits. We handle cases throughout California. We can review your documentation by fax and speak with you by phone.

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Answered on 8/25/04, 10:29 pm


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