Baltimore, MD asked in Estate Planning, Probate and Real Estate Law for Maryland

Q: How would I find real property ie. real Estate on the Maryland probate search website? it is a little confusing

Also is there a way to filter out the probates that do not have real estate attached to them? Thank you!

here is the link i am using:

https://registers.maryland.gov/RowNetWeb/Estates/frmEstateSearch2.aspx

1 Lawyer Answer
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Cedulie Renee Laumann
Answered
  • Estate Planning Lawyer
  • Crownsville, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: To find real estate in Maryland, one typically searches land records, not probate records. Probate searches will show what probate estates have been opened.

There is no way to search for what is in a particular estate (whether real estate or otherwise) without going into each estate's file and reviewing the inventories. And one cannot do that without physically going to the courthouse and/or ordering and paying for selected docket entries. But without understanding the basics it would be quite challenging to successfully find the information sought.

Skilled researchers certainly know how to access both land records and probate records and typically most title searches take place on-site in the county courthouse where both databases can be readily accessed.

One supposes the question is being asked in the context of someone exploring how to make money by buying estate homes for cash and then fixing / flipping such property. Every investor is strongly encouraged to seek legal advice and line up a good title company, legal and other assistance before embarking on such a strategy which could involve serious pitfalls for the uninformed.

In my practice, I do both real estate and estate law and see in most estates multiple solicitations from investors marketing to the heirs and/or personal representatives of estates.

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