After recognizing an increase in deed solicitation scams, Montgomery County Recorder Brandon McClain welcomes House Bill 52 as an opportunity to continue to protect seniors, first-time homeowners, and other vulnerable populations against deceiving marketing practices. House Bill 52 requires specific disclosures to be made to consumers when they are solicited a fee for a real estate property deed.

“While copies of deeds only cost $2 per page plus $1 for certification if acquired by the Recorder’s Office or free if printed from the Recorder’s Website, there are many soliciting companies selling deeds to property owners with price ranges between $80 - $90,” said
Recorder McClain.

Typically, scams come off as looking official in the form of a letter and sent from out-of-state companies to property owners advising them to pay overpriced fees. With the passing of House Bill 52, soliciting companies must now state not only the cost of obtaining a deed from the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office and its contact information, but must also include the soliciting company’s contact information.

“Every citizen should have the pleasure of enjoying a great accomplishment such as purchasing a home. They should not have to worry about paying an unreasonable amount of money for a property deed because of a scammer,” Recorder McClain emphasized.

Receiving a copy of your deed is as simple as printing it from the mcrecorder.org website for free or by contacting the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office Copy Center at (937) 225-6381 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Any questions, comments or concerns can be directed to the Montgomery County Recorder’s Office at (937) 225-4275.