FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                     CONTACT: JENNIFER COLLINS
January 12, 2017                                                         PHONE: 732-431-7324, ext. 8735

 

FREEHOLD, NJ – Monmouth County Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon is reminding Monmouth County property owners to take notice of mail solicitations from private companies seeking to sell homeowners expensive certified copies of their property deeds. 

The Clerk’s Office has received calls on a continuous basis from confused homeowners who received letter solicitations from businesses who charge $89 for certified copies of deeds. These homeowners expressed concern that the letters contained misleading or incorrect property information.

Clerk 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.

Hanlon is encouraging homeowners to contact the County Clerk’s Office if they have questions regarding these letters.  In addition, 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 copies of their deeds, 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.

“Homeowners sometimes prefer to have a copy of their property deed readily available in the event of an emergency, estate planning or putting their affairs in order for their children or heirs,” Hanlon explained.

A homeowner who is 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.

Anyone who is 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.