FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a full search?

A full search includes: information on *real estate and tangible property taxes, information from Cities and/or Counties on *utility balances, *open code enforcement and building code enforcement cases, *open and/or expired permits, and *any other special assessment or bills due to the City and/or County that have not been recorded in the public records.

What is not included in a full search?

We do not obtain estoppel letters from condominium or homeowner associations, management companies, or other like organizations.

Nor do we include payoffs on recorded liens, zoning letters, zoning confirmation, concurrency information, availability of utilities, certificate of occupancy/completion, name searches, UCC searches, sales tax information, corporate searches, federal or state liens, money due to private entities, or any lien that is recorded in the public records.

We also do not provide information if a permit has been issued for all work preformed on a property.

Can I request a search for only some items?

Yes. We will tailor our services to meet your needs. Please enter in the “SERVICE REQUESTED” section of your order exactly what services you want.

Can I request a search on items not included in the full search?

Yes. We will provide the following upon special written request:

• Payoffs on recorded liens. You need to provide a copy of the lien.
• Zoning letters stating what the property is zoned for and what are the permitted uses.
• Zoning confirmation letters if available from that agency.
• UCC searches on a state level only.
• Corporate status and list of officers.

Please enter your special request in the “OTHER” field in the “SERVICE REQUESTED” section on the order form.

What are your fees?

We charge a service fee plus expenses. Our service fee is charged per folio number and covers all strandard item in our full search (see above).  Additional chargesaoccur for special items requested that are not included in the standard full search.

Our invoice will be sent with our Summary Report. All invoices are due within 30 days.

If you would like a quote prior to placing an order, please contact us and we will be happy to provide it.

Can I get rush service?

Yes.  We can always expedite your request within our office but please be advised that not all agencies involved in your search also provide rush service. We sometimes have no choice but to follow their timetable.

If you specificaily request rush service, or if your need-by date indicates that rush service is required, we will advise you in advance if we are unable to meet the desired deadline because the agencies involved with your request do not provide rush service.

Why do some searches take so long?

There has been a tremendous advance in technology and availability of public information on the Internet, which is helpful. However, most information must still be obtained through written requests to various county and municipal agencies generally accompanied by advance payment of fees. Some agencies simply do not give verbal information. Most agencies require a 10 business day turnaround time. Responses from these agencies can also be delayed if they are experiencing staffing shortages, or if the designated person responsible for them has other duties that take priority.  Yet another delay often occurs when the agency only process requests on a certain day each week.

Who do I contact if I have a question on my search?

Each client is assigned to a professional researcher who personally oversees each orders.  When you call or email, your "personal assistant" will be knowledgeable about the status of your file and will be able to address whatever questions you may have.

Can I get a search without a report?

Yes.  If you do not need a Summary Report but only want the documentation that we gathered, we will be happy to accommodate you. Just enter that information in the “OTHER” field in the “SERVICE REQUESTED” section.

Who do I contact regarding billing questions on an invoice?

All billing questions should be directed to our Bookkeeper, Kimberly Welch.

Who do I contact for a statement of all outstanding invoices?

If you need a copy of your monthly statement or copies of invoices, please contact our Business Manager, Rich Riccardi. He will also be happy to help you with any other questions.

Can I cancel a request? What will I be charged?

Any request can be cancelled. It is very important that you notify us as soon a possible of any cancellation. If we have not yet completed the search, we will contact the agencies involved and try to cancel the search with them. If we have not yet sent you the search results with an invoice, you will be billed only for expenses. Once a search has been completed and invoiced, it is too late to concal, and full payment needs to be made.