Deed Records: Fast Oakland County MI Deed Records Search

Deed Records in Oakland County, MI serve as the official legal trail that confirms who holds title to a parcel, what rights were transferred, and any restrictions attached to the land. When a buyer, seller, or title professional reviews Oakland County MI deed records online, they can verify grantor name, grantee name, legal property description, and recording date without visiting the clerk’s office. The public database, often called the Oakland County MI deed database, indexes millions of recorded deeds dating back to the nineteenth century, allowing a prompt view of a certified deed copy or a plain deed copy as needed. By entering a property address, parcel identification number, or instrument number, users retrieve the exact deed document, see the deed instrument number, and discover any recorded lien or mortgage that may affect ownership. This transparent system also supports a deed records search by owner name, by deed book and page, and by recording date, making certain that anyone can trace the chain of title through historical deed information.

Deed Records retrieval in Oakland County, MI can be completed in minutes when users apply focused search criteria such as grantor name, property address, or instrument number. The online portal for Oakland County MI deed lookup returns the full deed document image, displaying the deed instrument number, recording date, and any associated deed restrictions. When a parcel identifier is entered, the system pulls Oakland County MI property deed records, including any recorded mortgages, liens, or deed of trust that accompany the primary conveyance. Researchers also benefit from the ability to browse the Oakland County MI deed documents by deed book and page, which reveals the original entry in the recorded deeds index. For legal verification, a certified deed copy or a plain deed copy can be ordered directly from the same interface, eliminating the need for separate paperwork. This streamlined deed search experience supports a thorough review of Oakland County MI land records, real estate records, and property records, giving stakeholders confidence in the accuracy of the ownership history and any historic property transfers.

How to Search Deed Records in Oakland County, MI

You can search Deed Records in Oakland County, MI through the official Register of Deeds online portal or by visiting the county clerk’s office in person. The online database gives you access to millions of recorded deeds, property transfers, and historical documents from the comfort of your home or office. For related public documentation and local filings, you can consult official unclaimed money resources. When you enter a name, address, or instrument number, the system returns a list of matching documents along with the recording date, grantor and grantee details, and the deed type. Each result links to a full image of the original document, so you can read the legal description, check for restrictions, and verify the chain of ownership without needing a separate trip to the courthouse.

Official Search Portal: https://www.oakgov.com/government/clerk-register-of-deeds

Steps to Search

1. Visit the Oakland County Register of Deeds online search portal using the link above.
2. Choose your search method, such as owner name, property address, instrument number, or recording date.
3. Type the requested information into the search field, double-checking spelling and number formats.
4. Review the list of matching results and select the deed that matches your research needs.
5. Open the full document image to view the legal description, parties, and recording details.
6. Download or order a certified copy of the deed directly from the portal if you need it for legal use.

Search by Owner Name

Searching by owner name lets you find all deeds linked to a specific grantor or grantee, which is helpful when you need to trace property transfers tied to a particular person or business. The system accepts last name and first name combinations, and you can narrow results by date range to focus on recent activity. This search method works well for genealogy research, asset checks, and verifying ownership before a real estate transaction.

Search by Property Address

Searching by property address pulls every deed recorded against a specific parcel, giving you a complete view of past conveyances for that location. Enter the full street address, including the city and ZIP code, to return the most accurate results. The portal often links the deed to the parcel identification number, making it easier to cross-check property tax records and land records at the same time.

Search by Instrument Number

Searching by instrument number is the fastest way to retrieve a specific deed when you already have the unique identifier from a prior search or document reference. Each recorded deed carries its own instrument number, which acts as a permanent tracking label in the county database. Title companies, attorneys, and real estate professionals rely on this method for precise lookups during closings and title examinations.

Search by Deed Book and Page

Searching by deed book and page helps you find older documents that predate the digital instrument numbering system. Historical deed records are organized in physical books with sequential page numbers, and the online index maps those references to scanned images. You can use this method when researching property ownership that goes back several decades, especially in long-established neighborhoods.

Search by Recording Date

Searching by recording date lets you filter the database for deeds recorded within a specific time frame, such as a calendar year or a set of months. This method is useful for tracking recent sales in a neighborhood, verifying the recording of a transaction you just completed, or pulling a list of transfers for tax preparation. Pairing the date range with a name or address produces an even narrower result set.

Information Needed for a Deed Search

Before you start a deed search, gather the grantor or grantee name, the full property address, the parcel identification number, or the instrument number. Having at least one of these data points ready speeds up the lookup and reduces the chance of pulling the wrong record. The more specific your input, the cleaner your result list will be.

Information Found on a Deed

Every recorded deed in Oakland County displays a standard set of data points that confirm the identity of the parties, the property involved, and the nature of the transfer. Reviewing these fields helps you understand the legal effect of the document and any obligations that come with it. The clerk’s office records each deed under a unique instrument number, which becomes the reference point for all future lookups.

Grantor Name

The grantor is the person or entity transferring ownership of the property, and their full legal name appears at the top of the deed. You will also see the grantor’s mailing address and, in some cases, their marital status. This information confirms who signed away their interest in the parcel and serves as a key data point for chain of title research.

Grantee Name

The grantee is the buyer or recipient of the property interest, and their legal name is printed clearly on the deed alongside their address. When the grantee is a trust, LLC, or corporation, the legal entity name appears in full. Recording the grantee’s information creates a public record of the new owner and protects their interest from competing claims.

Legal Property Description

The legal property description identifies the exact parcel being transferred using a metes and bounds description, a lot and block reference, or a subdivision plat reference. This section goes beyond the street address to describe the precise boundaries of the land. Title examiners review the legal description to confirm the deed covers the intended parcel and matches the description in earlier recorded documents.

Deed Type

The deed type indicates the level of title protection the grantor offers, such as warranty, quitclaim, or special purpose deed. The type tells you whether the grantor is making promises about the quality of the title or simply passing along whatever interest they hold. Each type carries different legal weight, and the right one depends on the transaction and the relationship between the parties.

Recording Date

The recording date shows when the clerk’s office accepted the deed into the public record, which is the date that triggers priority against later claims. In Michigan, recording establishes a constructive notice to the public that the transfer has taken place. Lenders and buyers search by recording date to confirm a transaction was filed and to establish the order of recorded interests.

Instrument Number

The instrument number is a unique identifier assigned to the deed at the time of recording, and it stays with the document permanently. You can use the instrument number to retrieve the same deed in future searches, request certified copies, or reference the document in legal filings. Title professionals track these numbers during the closing process to verify that all documents have been recorded correctly.

Consideration Information

The consideration section states the value exchanged for the property, which in most cases is the sale price. While the parties sometimes list a nominal value for privacy or legal reasons, this field still serves as a reference point for tax assessors and title underwriters. Reviewing the consideration helps you confirm the transaction was arms-length and supports accurate property valuation.

Types of Deeds

Oakland County records several deed types, each designed for a specific situation and offering a different level of title protection. Knowing the type of deed you are reviewing helps you understand what warranties the grantor is making and what risks the grantee is accepting. The most common types used in residential and commercial transfers are listed in the table below.

General Warranty Deed

A general warranty deed is the strongest form of deed and the most common in residential sales. The grantor promises that the title is free of defects throughout the entire history of the property, going back to the original conveyance. Buyers benefit from this protection because the grantor is legally responsible for any title problems that arise, even those from previous owners.

Special Warranty Deed

A special warranty deed limits the grantor’s coverage to the period they owned the property, rather than the full history. The grantor only guarantees that no title defects arose during their ownership. This deed type appears often in commercial real estate transactions, where the seller has only recently acquired the property.

Quitclaim Deed

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor holds without any warranty of clear title. If the grantor owns nothing, the grantee receives nothing, but if the grantor holds full title, the grantee receives that interest. Quitclaim deeds are popular for transfers between family members, divorce property settlements, and clearing up title clouds.

Deed of Trust

A deed of trust is a security instrument that conveys legal title to a trustee as collateral for a loan. The borrower retains equitable title and the right to live in or use the property while making payments. If the borrower defaults, the trustee can foreclose and sell the property to satisfy the debt.

Transfer on Death Deed

A transfer on death deed lets a property owner name a beneficiary who will receive the property automatically when the owner dies, without going through probate. The owner keeps full control during their lifetime and can revoke the deed at any time. This instrument is a popular estate planning tool in Michigan for owners who want a simple, low-cost way to pass real estate to heirs.

Correction Deed

A correction deed fixes errors in a previously recorded deed, such as misspelled names, incorrect legal descriptions, or wrong instrument references. The correction deed references the original document by its recording date and instrument number, and it is recorded alongside the original to clarify the public record. Recording a correction deed helps prevent future title disputes.

Property Ownership Transfers

Every recorded deed in Oakland County represents a property ownership transfer from one party to another, and the deed database captures each step in the chain of title. Reviewing these records lets you confirm when a transfer took place, who was involved, and what interest was conveyed. The information also supports due diligence for buyers, lenders, and title insurers.

Grantor to Grantee Transfer

A grantor to grantee transfer is the basic conveyance captured on every deed, moving ownership from the seller to the buyer. The deed records the names of both parties, the date of the transfer, and the type of interest conveyed. This entry becomes a permanent part of the public record and forms one link in the chain of title.

Transfer of Property Interest

Some deeds transfer a partial interest, such as a joint tenancy share, a life estate, or a tenancy in common portion. The legal description and deed language spell out exactly what interest moved and what interest remained with the original owner. Reviewing this language helps clarify how multiple parties can hold rights in the same parcel.

Multiple Owners

When a property has more than one owner, each owner’s name appears on the deed along with the form of co-ownership, such as joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or tenants by the entirety. The deed specifies how the owners hold title and what happens to the interest when one owner dies or sells. Searching by any one co-owner’s name returns the deed and shows the full ownership group.

Ownership Transfer Dates

The ownership transfer date on a deed shows when the grantor and grantee signed the document, while the recording date shows when the clerk accepted it. Both dates matter for legal purposes: the signing date establishes when the parties agreed to the transfer, and the recording date establishes priority against other claims. Title companies track both dates when building a property history.

Recorded Ownership Changes

Recorded ownership changes create a timeline of every transfer affecting a parcel, including sales, gifts, inheritances, and court-ordered conveyances. Each recorded change adds an entry to the public record, and reviewing these entries in order builds a complete ownership history. Gaps in this history can signal unrecorded transfers, which may require additional research to resolve.

Deed Recording Process

The deed recording process in Oakland County protects property rights by placing conveyances into the public record, where they serve as legal notice to everyone. Recording happens after the parties sign the deed, the notary verifies their identities, and the document is delivered to the Register of Deeds. Once recorded, the deed becomes part of the permanent real estate record for the parcel.

Where Deeds Are Recorded

All Oakland County deeds are recorded with the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds office at 1200 N. Telegraph Rd., Building 12E, Pontiac, MI 48341. The office maintains both the physical record books and the digital database that powers the online search portal. Recording with the county is the only way to give constructive notice of a property transfer in Michigan.

Recording Requirements

Recording requirements in Michigan include a valid legal description, the printed names and signatures of the grantor, a notary acknowledgment, and the correct recording fee. The document must also meet formatting standards set by the state, including legible text and proper margins. Deeds that do not meet these requirements are returned to the submitter for correction before they are accepted into the public record.

Signatures and Notarization

The grantor must sign the deed in the presence of a notary public, who verifies the signer’s identity and confirms the signing was voluntary. The notary then attaches an acknowledgment certificate that includes their signature, seal, and commission expiration date. Michigan law requires this notarization to make the deed eligible for recording, and any deed without a valid acknowledgment is rejected.

Recording Fees

Recording fees in Oakland County depend on the document type, and the Register of Deeds publishes the current fee schedule on its official website. The fee covers the cost of indexing, scanning, and storing the deed in the permanent record. Fees are paid at the time of submission, and the office accepts payment by check, money order, or electronic transfer for online filings.

Document Acceptance

Document acceptance happens after the clerk reviews the deed for compliance with recording requirements, including proper signatures, correct legal description, and full payment of fees. If the document meets all standards, the clerk assigns an instrument number and records the deed in the public database. Submitters receive a recording confirmation that serves as proof the document is now part of the public record.

Recording Confirmation

Recording confirmation is the official notice that the deed has been entered into the public record. The confirmation includes the recording date, the instrument number, and a link or reference to the scanned image. Title companies and attorneys keep this confirmation on file as part of the closing record, and it acts as evidence that the transfer has been completed.

How to Obtain a Copy of a Deed

You can obtain a copy of a deed in Oakland County through the online portal, by mail, or by visiting the Register of Deeds office in person. Each method has its own fee, processing time, and format, so choose the option that best matches your timeline and need for certification. The table below summarizes the main options.

Online Copy Requests

Online copy requests let you download a plain digital copy of a deed directly from the search portal as soon as you locate the document. The portal charges a small per-page fee, and you can save the file to your computer or print it for your records. Plain copies are useful for personal research but are not accepted as certified documents for legal filings.

County Clerk Requests

County clerk requests are submitted to the Register of Deeds by mail, email, or fax, and they let you order a copy without visiting the office in person. The request must include the document’s instrument number, recording date, or a clear description of the record you need. The clerk’s office processes the request and mails or emails the copy based on your preference.

In-Person Requests

In-person requests are handled at the Register of Deeds counter, where staff can locate the document, produce a copy, and certify it on the spot in most cases. Visiting in person is the fastest way to get a certified copy when you need it for a closing or court filing. The office accepts cash, check, and card payments for in-person services.

Certified Copies

Certified copies include an official stamp, the signature of the Register of Deeds or an authorized deputy, and a raised or electronic seal that confirms authenticity. These copies are accepted by courts, lenders, and government agencies as legal proof of the recorded deed. The certification fee is higher than the fee for a plain copy, but the document carries full legal weight.

Copy Fees

Copy fees in Oakland County depend on the type of copy and the number of pages in the document. The Register of Deeds publishes the current fee schedule on its website, and the office updates the schedule as state law changes. Knowing the fee ahead of time helps you budget for a title search, closing, or legal filing that requires certified copies.

Processing Times

Processing times for copy requests depend on the method you choose and the current workload of the clerk’s office. Online downloads are available immediately, in-person requests are often completed the same day, and mail requests can take several business days. The office posts current processing estimates on its website so you can plan around your deadline.

Reading and Reviewing a Deed

Reading and reviewing a deed requires a careful look at each section of the document, from the parties to the legal description to the recording information. A proper review confirms the deed covers the correct parcel, identifies all parties accurately, and does not include unexpected restrictions. Title professionals, attorneys, and buyers all benefit from a structured review process.

Identifying the Parties

Identifying the parties starts at the top of the deed, where the grantor and grantee names appear along with their addresses. Confirm that the names match the names on prior recorded documents and that no parties are missing. If the names are spelled differently from earlier records, a correction deed may be required to clean up the title.

Finding the Legal Description

Finding the legal description means locating the section of the deed that describes the exact boundaries of the property. The description may be a metes and bounds narrative, a lot and block reference within a recorded plat, or a reference to a condominium unit. Compare this description to the description in prior deeds to confirm continuity of the parcel.

Locating the Recording Information

Locating the recording information requires looking at the first page of the recorded image, where the clerk stamps the recording date, instrument number, and book and page reference. This block confirms the deed was officially recorded and gives you the references you need for future searches. The recording stamp also shows the office that accepted the document.

Identifying the Conveyed Interest

Identifying the conveyed interest tells you what rights the grantor transferred, such as fee simple, life estate, joint tenancy, or tenancy in common. The deed language specifies the exact interest, and any leftover interest stays with the grantor. Knowing the conveyed interest is important when determining who has current rights to the property.

Reviewing Deed Restrictions

Reviewing deed restrictions means reading the section that lists any easements, covenants, conditions, or reservations tied to the property. These restrictions can limit how you use the land, require you to maintain certain features, or grant utility companies access to portions of the parcel. Surfacing these restrictions before closing prevents surprises after you take ownership.

Checking Referenced Documents

Checking referenced documents means following any references to prior deeds, mortgages, easements, or plats cited in the deed. These referenced documents may affect your ownership rights, and reviewing them gives you the full context of the transfer. The recorded document number or book and page reference lets you pull each cited instrument from the database.

Deed Records and Ownership History

Deed records form the backbone of property ownership history in Oakland County, and each recorded deed adds a new entry to the chain of title. By reviewing these records in order, you can trace how a parcel moved from one owner to the next over many decades. This history supports title claims, resolves boundary questions, and verifies ownership for legal and personal purposes.

Previous Deeds

Previous deeds show who owned the property before the current owner and how the prior owner acquired the parcel. Reviewing these deeds helps you confirm the current seller has the right to transfer the property and that no missing links appear in the chain. The previous deeds are often referenced in the current deed and can be pulled using their instrument numbers.

Historical Transfers

Historical transfers include all recorded conveyances from the earliest entry in the database to the present, covering sales, gifts, court orders, and inheritance transfers. Researchers and genealogists use these records to study neighborhood change, migration patterns, and land use over time. The Register of Deeds continues to digitize older records, expanding the historical record for public research.

Chain of Recorded Deeds

The chain of recorded deeds is the sequence of recorded documents that link the current owner back to the original patent or grant. A clean chain supports marketable title, while a broken chain signals a problem that must be resolved before the property can be sold or refinanced. Title insurers review the chain of recorded deeds as part of every title commitment.

Gaps in Deed History

Gaps in deed history happen when a transfer was not recorded, when a document was lost, or when a private conveyance took place outside the public record. Gaps can create title clouds that must be cleared through court action, quiet title proceedings, or corrective documents. Identifying gaps early in a transaction helps avoid delays and unexpected costs.

Older Recorded Documents

Older recorded documents predate the digital database and may be stored in physical books that the clerk has scanned for online access. These records are still legally valid, and the index maps the old book and page numbers to the scanned images. When researching older properties, you may need to look at documents from the 1800s or early 1900s, which are available through the same portal.

Deed Record Accuracy and Limitations

Deed records are generally accurate, but they depend on the information provided by the parties and the quality of the recording process. Errors can appear in names, legal descriptions, and references, and some transfers never make it into the database at all. Knowing the limits of deed records helps you interpret them correctly and take action when problems appear.

Incorrect Names

Incorrect names appear when a grantor or grantee misspells a name, uses a nickname, or fails to update a legal name after marriage or divorce. These errors can complicate title transfers and may require a correction deed to clean up the record. Searching by both the recorded name and the legal name helps you avoid missing documents tied to the same person.

Property Description Errors

Property description errors happen when the legal description references the wrong lot, block, parcel, or metes and bounds measurement. These errors can be expensive to fix because they may require a survey, a corrected description, and a new recording. Title examiners check the description against prior deeds and the county parcel map to spot mistakes before closing.

Duplicate Records

Duplicate records can appear when the same deed is recorded twice or when two different documents describe the same transfer. Reviewing the instrument numbers, recording dates, and parties helps you tell the duplicates apart and avoid confusion. A duplicate record does not usually affect title, but it can clutter your search results if you do not recognize it.

Missing Documents

Missing documents occur when a deed was never recorded, when a recorded document was lost, or when older records have not yet been digitized. A missing document creates a gap in the chain of title, and you may need to search courthouse archives or contact a title company to locate the original. Resolving missing documents often requires additional recorded instruments to bridge the gap.

Recently Recorded Deeds

Recently recorded deeds may take a short time to appear in the online portal because of indexing and processing schedules. The clerk’s office usually posts documents within a few business days, but delays can happen during high-volume periods. Searching again after a short wait or contacting the office directly can help you confirm the most recent activity.

Unrecorded Instruments

Unrecorded instruments are deeds that were signed and delivered but never filed with the Register of Deeds. Without recording, the transfer is not part of the public record, and the grantee’s interest may be at risk against later buyers or lenders. Michigan law strongly encourages recording to protect property rights, and title searches may not surface unrecorded instruments.

Other Property Sources

Deed records show only conveyances, while other property sources like tax records, parcel maps, and mortgage records show different layers of information. Comparing these sources gives you a more complete picture of the property’s status, including tax obligations, outstanding loans, and assessed value. Using multiple sources reduces the risk of relying on a single database.

Search Problems

Deed record searches usually go smoothly, but a few common problems can slow you down or leave you without a result. Knowing these issues in advance helps you adjust your search strategy and avoid wasted time. The list below covers the most frequent search problems and how to address each one.

• The deed you need is not in the database because it is too old, too new, or was never recorded.
• The owner name you entered is spelled differently from the name on the recorded document.
• The property address is missing a unit number, a directional prefix, or a ZIP code.
• The instrument number you used is wrong, missing a digit, or belongs to a different county.

Deed Not Found

A deed not found result usually means the document was never recorded, the indexing has not yet been completed, or your search criteria does not match the record. Try a different search method, broaden your date range, or contact the clerk’s office to confirm whether the deed exists in the archive. A title professional can also run a more exhaustive search for hard-to-find documents.

Incorrect Owner Name

Incorrect owner name errors often stem from name changes, typos, or the use of middle names instead of first names. Try variations of the name, drop middle initials, or search by grantee instead of grantor to expand the result set. Once you find a matching record, verify the name against other identifiers like the property address or parcel number.

Incorrect Property Address

Incorrect property address problems happen when the recorded document uses a different street name, a different house number, or a different unit designation than the one you entered. Searching by the parcel identification number, which stays with the property through name and address changes, often solves this problem. Local GIS maps can help you match addresses to parcel numbers.

Incorrect Instrument Number

Incorrect instrument number entries usually come from a typo, a transposed digit, or a number that belongs to a different recording office. Cross-check the number against the source document where you found it, and confirm the year prefix matches the year you expect. If the number still does not work, switch to a name or address search to locate the deed.

Historical Deed Unavailable

Historical deed unavailable messages appear when the document exists but has not yet been digitized, or when the original is stored in a fragile volume that requires special handling. The clerk’s office can usually produce a copy from the physical book, though the request may take longer than a normal search. Title researchers often need these older records for chain of title work.

Restricted Document

Restricted document messages appear when a court order or state law seals a specific record from public view. You can still request access through a legal process, but the office will not display the document online. The clerk’s office can explain the restriction and guide you on the steps needed to request access for a legitimate legal purpose.

Record Not Yet Updated

Record not yet updated situations occur when a recent filing has not yet been processed, indexed, or scanned into the system. The clerk’s office usually processes documents in the order they are received, and high-volume periods can slow the workflow. Waiting a short time or calling the office directly is often the fastest path to a confirmed result.

Contact Details

You can reach the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds office using the contact details below for questions about deed records, certified copies, and recording requirements. The office accepts in-person visits, mail requests, and phone inquiries during posted service hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland County MI deed records hold the details of every property transfer, mortgage, and lien filed in the county. Access to these records helps owners confirm who holds title, buyers verify a property’s history, and professionals prepare accurate closing documents. The county’s online portal and in‑person services let anyone retrieve a deed copy, view the chain of title, or set up alerts for new filings. Below are common questions about searching, obtaining, and using Oakland County deed information.

How can I run an Oakland County MI deed search by property address?

Start at the official Register of Deeds website. Enter the full street address in the search box, then click the search button. The system returns a list of matching recorded deeds, showing the book, page, and recording date. Click a result to view a thumbnail image or request a printable copy. If the address yields many matches, add the city or ZIP code to narrow the list. After reviewing, you can download a PDF or order a certified copy for a small fee.

Where can I find a free Oakland County MI deed records online lookup?

The county provides free public access through the OCMIDeeds.com portal. No registration or payment is required for basic searches. Choose the “search by grantor, grantee, or instrument number” option, then type the name or record number. Results include the document type, recording date, and a link to the scanned image. For older records not yet digitized, note the book and page reference and request the copy by phone or in person at the Register of Deeds office.

How to Get a Certified Copy of an Oakland County Deed?

Locate the deed in the online index or at the clerk’s desk. Note the book, page, and instrument number. Submit a request through the portal’s “order certified copy” feature, or fill out a paper form at the office. Pay the $5 certification fee plus $1 per page. The clerk will stamp the document and attach a seal, confirming its authenticity. Certified copies are ideal for legal disputes, title searches, or mortgage refinancing.

Can I search Oakland County MI deed records by grantor?

Yes. Use the Super Index search page and select the “grantor” or “grantee” field. Type the full name, partial name, or business entity, then hit enter. The results list every instrument that contains the entered name, along with the recording date and parcel ID. To reduce unrelated matches, add a middle initial, a date range, or the property’s PIN. Review each entry to ensure the correct party and then retrieve the desired document.

How to Set Up Oakland County Deed Record Alerts?

Visit the Property Records Notification page on the Register of Deeds site. Choose “create alert,” then enter the parcel identification number (PIN) for each property you own. Provide a valid email address or mobile number and confirm the alert settings. The system sends an email each time a new deed, lien, or mortgage is recorded against the PIN. Alerts help you spot unauthorized filings early and protect against deed fraud.