| It wasn't long ago that the records of real | | | | inform all parties to the transaction that |
| property title could be found in a collection | | | | the sale has "closed". |
| of huge, thousand page books residing in the | | | | |
| office of the county recorder. Now those | | | | Those documents are now a matter of public |
| same records are all electronically stored in | | | | record. When a document is recorded it gives |
| a computer database. | | | | "constructive" notice to the world that a |
| | | | certain act has occurred. Any one with a |
| Before computers recording a change of title | | | | claim or interest in the indicated real |
| meant tedious paper handling by both title | | | | property will now be bound by the action |
| insurance companies and county recorder | | | | represented by the recorded document. It can |
| employees. Not any more. | | | | only be challenged by legal action. |
| | | | |
| With the advance in technology, more and more | | | | The public can easily access the records in |
| companies are recording documents | | | | the database by the computer terminals |
| electronically. It works like this: | | | | located in the offices of the county |
| | | | recorder. In many counties those records are |
| 1. The recording department of the title | | | | now available to everyone through the |
| company electronically scans the documents | | | | internet. In those counties you can view the |
| that must be recorded. 2. Then the documents | | | | records from your office or home computer. |
| are sent electronically to the county | | | | For a fee the recorder will print a copy of |
| recorder's office... either by way of a | | | | any recorded document. |
| private line or the Internet. 3. The county | | | | |
| recorder receives a notification that the | | | | In a real estate transaction the deed is |
| title company has sent documents | | | | recorded, but it is rare that any of the |
| electronically. 4. A county recorder clerk | | | | other documents related to the transaction |
| opens the electronic file, reviews the | | | | will be placed in the public record. |
| documents to be sure they are in the proper | | | | |
| form. When the submission for recording is | | | | Computers have truly opened public records to |
| approved an email is sent to the title | | | | the public. At least to those members of the |
| company with the instrument number, escrow | | | | public who will apply the few minutes needed |
| number, date and time of recording. 5. After | | | | to learn how easy it is to review the |
| receiving that email the title company can | | | | records. |