Montana Abstract had helped me out with recording a change to the property, so I decided to use them again for the sale. Big, big mistake.
They had at least a month to prepare the closing. They failed to send me any information or ask for any information prior to the closing date. Someone called me on Monday the week of the closing. They said that they had everything that they needed. The closing was scheduled for Thursday. Since they wanted $100 for an online notary and $80 to overnight documents, I decided to drive the 80 miles to Butte on Wednesday and do the closing in person. They didn't have my company EIN number when I got there to the closing.
On the phone call, I complained about the ridiculous charges for the online notary and the overnight document fees. The closing agent told me that I could always sell the property for more to cover the costs. I've had this property for over 15 years. I have paid taxes on it, mowed it, and have sprayed for weeds nearly every year that I have owned it. I divided it up and have been selling lots from the bigger parcel. I have it listed for a higher amount however, all of the offers I have been getting are 6 to 8 thousand dollars less than asking price. There is no city water in the area so people don't feel they should pay the asking price. Needless to say, I was upset at the closing agent for even suggesting that I sell the property for more.
I just picked up the check today. It was $100 short from what it said on the closing statement. No explanation, just a hundred dollars less.
That's not even have the real problem. According to the Warranty Deed, I have sold the buyer all of the lots in that parcel (including four lots that have been sold to someone else two months ago) instead of the four city lots that the buyer had contracted to purchase. Obviously, there was no research completed on the property prior to the sale.
NEVER USE Montana Title Company unless you want endless headaches. read more