For Immediate Release:
January 11, 2016
County Clerk warns against recent solicitations
for overpriced copies of deeds
FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is again advising Monmouth County property owners to be on the lookout for mail solicitations from private companies seeking to sell homeowners expensive certified copies of their property deeds.
The Clerk’s Office received several calls from confused homeowners who received letter solicitations last month looking to charge $89 for certified copies of deeds. These homeowners expressed concern that the letters contained misleading or incorrect property information.
Clerk Hanlon is encouraging homeowners to contact the County Clerk’s Office if they have questions regarding these letters. In addition, Clerk Hanlon advises homeowners that they can obtain a copy of their deeds for a minimal fee from the County Clerk’s Office.
“Residential and commercial property owners can request and receive a copy of their deed, and other property documents, directly from the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office,” said Hanlon.
A homeowner can obtain a plain copy for .05 cents per page at the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office or at no charge electronically from the County Clerk’s land records website. If a homeowner would like the Clerk’s Office to provide a certified copy, it is $10 for the certification, and $1.50 per page.
Hanlon cautions property owners to be on the lookout for these solicitations because they appear as if they are coming from a government agency, but they are not.
Homeowners may wish to have a copy of their property deed in the event of an emergency or if they want to have their affairs in order for their children or heirs. Certified and regular copies of property records are available from the County Clerk’s Office at low cost.
Homeowners who are interested in obtaining a certified copy of their deed in person should visit the Monmouth County Clerk’s Office located at 33 Mechanic St., Freehold, NJ, 07728. The Mortgage and Deed Room can be found on the first floor, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Property owners who are unable to come in person to the County Clerk’s Office can request a certified copy via letter request to the County Clerk at 33 Mechanic St., Freehold, NJ, 07728 or via email at CountyClerk@co.monmouth.nj.us. The request must include the property owner’s name, the address, lot and block numbers, book and page or instrument number.
For additional information, contact the County Clerk’s Office at 732-431-7324.
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