To meet the requirement to show the nature, source and validity of title to real property, an abstract must contain a full summary of grants, conveyances, wills, or other documents of record relied on as evidence of title.
Guam Checklist of Matters that Should be Considered in Making an Abstract or Opinion of Title When conducting a title search in Guam, it is essential to adhere to a checklist of matters to ensure a comprehensive and accurate abstract or opinion of title. This checklist covers various crucial elements that should be examined to determine the validity and reliability of a property's title. The following are the key aspects to consider when making an abstract or opinion of title in Guam: 1. Land records: Review the land records thoroughly, including transfers of ownership, deeds, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, and any other relevant documents. It is essential to ensure that the chain of title is clear and there are no discrepancies or breaks in the ownership history. 2. Title commitments: Analyze any existing title commitments or preliminary title reports to identify outstanding issues or requirements that need to be resolved before a clear title can be established. These commitments typically highlight potential defects or encumbrances that need to be addressed. 3. Prior surveys and plats: Examine the property's previous surveys and plats to confirm its boundaries, dimensions, and any easements or restrictions affecting its use. It is crucial to ensure that the property's description aligns with the recorded surveys and plats. 4. Tax records: Review the tax records to verify that all property taxes have been paid up to date. Unpaid taxes can result in a lien or encumbrance on the property, affecting the validity of the title. 5. Judgments and liens: Conduct a thorough search for any judgments or liens against the property or owner. This includes checking records at the local courthouse, federal court, and bankruptcy court to identify any potential claims or encumbrances that could affect the property's title. 6. Federal interests: Determine if there are any federal interests or restrictions affecting the property, such as easements, leases, or agreements with federal agencies. Examples include military bases, national parks, or federally protected areas that may have specific regulations or limitations. 7. Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs): Review any recorded CC&Rs or homeowners' association documents that may impact the property's use, including restrictions on building structures, landscaping, or rules governing the community. 8. Zoning and land use regulations: Understand and evaluate the property's zoning designation and any applicable land use regulations. This includes checking if the property conforms to current zoning requirements and if there are any special permits or variances needed. 9. Environmental concerns: Assess any environmental concerns that may affect the property's title, such as previous contamination, endangered species habitats, or wetland restrictions. It is crucial to verify compliance with environmental regulations and assess potential risks. 10. Water rights: Determine if the property has any water rights attached to it, such as riparian rights, groundwater usage, or irrigation easements. Examine any applicable water rights documents and ensure they align with the property's title. Different Types of Guam Checklist of Matters: 1. Residential Property Checklist: This checklist specifically focuses on matters relevant to residential property titles, including items such as homeowners' association rules, building restrictions, and compliance with local building codes. 2. Commercial Property Checklist: This checklist is tailored to address issues commonly associated with commercial property titles, including zoning restrictions, environmental assessments, and adherence to commercial use regulations. 3. Agricultural Property Checklist: Designed specifically for agricultural properties, this checklist includes considerations such as water rights, irrigation agreements, agricultural restrictions, and compliance with farming regulations. 4. Vacant Land Checklist: This checklist focuses on the key aspects to examine when dealing with vacant land titles, including boundary surveys, easements, zoning restrictions, and any associated environmental concerns. By systematically considering the above checklist items, professionals can produce a detailed and accurate abstract or opinion of title in Guam, ensuring the clarity and reliability of the property's title.
Guam Checklist of Matters that Should be Considered in Making an Abstract or Opinion of Title When conducting a title search in Guam, it is essential to adhere to a checklist of matters to ensure a comprehensive and accurate abstract or opinion of title. This checklist covers various crucial elements that should be examined to determine the validity and reliability of a property's title. The following are the key aspects to consider when making an abstract or opinion of title in Guam: 1. Land records: Review the land records thoroughly, including transfers of ownership, deeds, mortgages, liens, encumbrances, and any other relevant documents. It is essential to ensure that the chain of title is clear and there are no discrepancies or breaks in the ownership history. 2. Title commitments: Analyze any existing title commitments or preliminary title reports to identify outstanding issues or requirements that need to be resolved before a clear title can be established. These commitments typically highlight potential defects or encumbrances that need to be addressed. 3. Prior surveys and plats: Examine the property's previous surveys and plats to confirm its boundaries, dimensions, and any easements or restrictions affecting its use. It is crucial to ensure that the property's description aligns with the recorded surveys and plats. 4. Tax records: Review the tax records to verify that all property taxes have been paid up to date. Unpaid taxes can result in a lien or encumbrance on the property, affecting the validity of the title. 5. Judgments and liens: Conduct a thorough search for any judgments or liens against the property or owner. This includes checking records at the local courthouse, federal court, and bankruptcy court to identify any potential claims or encumbrances that could affect the property's title. 6. Federal interests: Determine if there are any federal interests or restrictions affecting the property, such as easements, leases, or agreements with federal agencies. Examples include military bases, national parks, or federally protected areas that may have specific regulations or limitations. 7. Covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs): Review any recorded CC&Rs or homeowners' association documents that may impact the property's use, including restrictions on building structures, landscaping, or rules governing the community. 8. Zoning and land use regulations: Understand and evaluate the property's zoning designation and any applicable land use regulations. This includes checking if the property conforms to current zoning requirements and if there are any special permits or variances needed. 9. Environmental concerns: Assess any environmental concerns that may affect the property's title, such as previous contamination, endangered species habitats, or wetland restrictions. It is crucial to verify compliance with environmental regulations and assess potential risks. 10. Water rights: Determine if the property has any water rights attached to it, such as riparian rights, groundwater usage, or irrigation easements. Examine any applicable water rights documents and ensure they align with the property's title. Different Types of Guam Checklist of Matters: 1. Residential Property Checklist: This checklist specifically focuses on matters relevant to residential property titles, including items such as homeowners' association rules, building restrictions, and compliance with local building codes. 2. Commercial Property Checklist: This checklist is tailored to address issues commonly associated with commercial property titles, including zoning restrictions, environmental assessments, and adherence to commercial use regulations. 3. Agricultural Property Checklist: Designed specifically for agricultural properties, this checklist includes considerations such as water rights, irrigation agreements, agricultural restrictions, and compliance with farming regulations. 4. Vacant Land Checklist: This checklist focuses on the key aspects to examine when dealing with vacant land titles, including boundary surveys, easements, zoning restrictions, and any associated environmental concerns. By systematically considering the above checklist items, professionals can produce a detailed and accurate abstract or opinion of title in Guam, ensuring the clarity and reliability of the property's title.