Q: Is a property owner required to register the deed after an all cash purchase?
I have been property shopping in PR and keep coming across owners who have not registered their deeds which makes me nervous about a clean and clear title. Am I right to be concerned? Is this common practice?
A:
Hello and thank you for using JUSTIA. The only way to have protection of a clear and clean title to a property is by the Registry of Property. It is not common practice to not have your ownership registered. However there are certain areas in Puerto Rico where properties are not registered due to legal issues with the properties such as beach front properties, issues with inheritance laws, registry errors, tax evaision issues, registry of property administrative delays, etc.
Our best advice is to not purchase any property that is not registered under the seller's name. Your best bet is to use a Realtor for your quest.
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