The Iowa State Association of Counties is warning homeowners about a letter that’s circulating through the state from an Illinois company that’s asking for something that’s unnecessary. David Vestal, the attorney for the association, says the letters come from the National Deed Service.
The letters from the company say that the purchaser of real estate "should have an official or certified copy of their deed," and offers to obtain a certified copy of the homeowner’s deed for $59.50. Vestal says the letter is wrong. Vestal says you really don’t need an official or certified copy of your deed, as the official copy is held at the county recorder’s office.
And if you do need a copy of the deed, the county recorder will provide it for about $5. Vestal said Monday that the letters are raising concerns across the state. Vestal says he heard from a county recorder who had a concerned homeowner in their office asking about the letter, and he’s heard from other recorders who had 15-20 people call to ask about the letters. Vestal says you should pay no attention to the letter.
He says the intention of the letter is to make homeowners concerned so they take action right away. Vestal says if you need a copy of your deed, save 50 bucks by going to your county recorder’s office. Vestal says the letters are "much ado about nothing." The form letter from National Deed Service does acknowledge at the very bottom that "many government records are available free or at nominal cost from government agencies."