How do I know if I have debt on my house?

Someone I knew that I have excommunicated since then had physical possession of my parents home title for a short period of time. I am now unsure if this person could have potentially borrowed against it or has a caveat of some type.

Appreciate if someone could guide me in the right direction and if there are any online sources or if it's best I speak to a lawyer/conveyancer?

Thanks

 

Order a title search and it will reveal caveats/mortgages against the property. Depending on your site, it can be done online for a few dollars really.

 

Thanks standtall for the quick response! Assuming something like Title Search NSW - Land Title Search NSW - Property Title Search NSW would be a suitable site?

 

Home - NSW Land Registry Services

 

Should I be performing a Certificate of Title (CT) inquiry ?

 

correct,
you can search using the lot & dp number ie: 2/1222111
or you can search using the street address which will give you the folio identifier number (usually lot & DP)

you can order directly from one of the third party information brokers
like this one:

https://www.aussearch.net/

it will list the mortgage dealing number under the second schedule
you can also order this document or call the bank (mortgagee) listed.

I'm not sure how you will go getting specific information about the debt out of the bank. unless your are the mortgagor.
Also the debt could be paid out but the mortgage not discharged

 

I am also keen to do a search on my property's title. My property is in NSW.

As far as I can tell, I have to do a search via an information broker. NSW land title office has a list of third party information brokers.

Is there any reviews, with a focus on information security, of these brokers? I tried to google it but in vain.

I have this concern because I am kind of in a panic when I see Equifax on the list. Equifax has one of the worst data breach in recent history and they tried to cover it up. I really do not want to hand over my personal information to these brokers without knowing more of their data security culture and measure.

 

Its public info anyway, not much risk i think

 

Anyone can do a title search on any property, for a fee, right? In other words, the data is public. What sort of data breach / privacy issue are you concerned about? If you are that concerned, do it through a lawyer?

 

Mainly the personal information these brokers collect when I create an account with them. I can only find out what they want to collect when I try to sign up.

Also if I have to pay for the search service, they may need my credit card information.

 

Grab hold of the title deeds. Save yourself the 50 odd dollars doing a search.

 

are you worried about giving your credit card details online ?

its just the same as buying anything online

AusSearch is a joint project between the not-for-profit Association of Consulting Surveyors NSW and leading title search providers, Infotrack

I use this broker

disclaimer: I'm a Surveyor

link posted above

 

Not just the credit card alone. It is InfoSec in general.

Some companies handle their customer payment information better than the others. That's the reason I want to find out more beforehand.

Thank you for the AusSearch information!

 

can you start a new email address and a fake name - just need the real name for the credit card though. I think there is a system where you and disguise that too by using an intermediary.

 

If there's the option, use your PayPal account - then it's not your card details being transferred.

 

Get one of those prepaid cards? Or pay a lawyer to do it, in cash? At some point you may not have a choice but to trust the system.

 

A title search may indicate a mortgage but wont be a able to define the amount of the existing debt. There are many information brokers and varying reports you can order. $20 is pretty normal.