Are you a real estate investor that buys properties through county tax sales in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the county issues a commissioner’s deed, transferring ownership to the successful bidder.

However, it’s important to note that commissioner’s deeds, like tax deeds in other states, do not come with a warranty.

The absence of a warranty on the commissioner’s deed often results in a “cloud on title,” raising questions about the new owner’s clear ownership of the property. To resolve this, investors traditionally use a judicial process called a quiet title action.

However, this approach can be costly and time-consuming, often taking several months and costing upwards of $5,000 to $6,000. For investors purchasing vacant land—a common outcome at tax sales—these costs can exceed the property’s purchase price, making quiet title actions less practical.

An alternative to the quiet title action is the certification process offered by Tax Title Services (TTS). This non-judicial process involves reviewing the chain of title to ensure all parties were properly notified of the tax sale and mitigating associated risks.

Typically completed within 30 to 40 days, the TTS certification allows title insurers to provide insurance for properties purchased at tax sales without requiring a quiet title action.

While the TTS certification does not result in a judicial judgment recorded with the county clerk’s office, it provides indemnity to title insurers willing to accept the certification. This makes it a cost-effective and efficient solution for investors seeking to secure title insurance and confidently move forward with their investment.

We have been in business for over 20 years and certified 40,000+ tax sale properties for title insurance nationwide.

To learn more about our quiet title action alternative, please fill out the form to schedule a free consultation.