The Ghost in the Deed: When a Hidden Heir Threatens Closing

Three days before closing, a buyer called to say an online search turned up a probate filing naming an heir who claims an interest in the property. In this episode Matthew Halliday walks listeners through that exact kind of title scare: what actually happened, why it almost derailed the sale, and the practical, legal, and escrow-level moves that rescued the deal. You’ll learn how to read a preliminary title report, what title insurance does (and doesn’t) cover, when to call a real estate attorney, and how agents and escrow officers can use holds, curative deeds, and negotiated credits to keep momentum without assuming needless risk. This episode delivers three clear lessons for buyers, sellers, and agents, plus a concise pre-closing checklist you can use today to reduce the chance a ‘hidden heir’ becomes a hidden disaster.