Recorder of Deeds
A Homeowner's Guide to the Centre County Recorder of Deeds Office
Contents
Introduction
Dear Homeowner:
We realize you have many questions concerning your property and what you can do to protect your ownership and investment.
For this reason, we have compiled this guide to help you better understand the operation of the Recorder of Deeds Office, the many ways we can serve you, and how you can utilize our office.
We have included questions that have been asked of our staff during their many years of service in the Centre County Recorder of Deeds office by property owners.
This guide is being issued as a public service to property owners of Centre County in the interest of consumer information and education.
Please be advised: We may not give legal advice or opinions. We can only comment on the rules and regulations concerning our office and the recording of various documents. Each individual's legal situation may differ according to your own circumstances. Therefore, it is always practical to consult an attorney for specific advice.
Our staff and I are happy to serve you.
Joseph L. Davidson
Centre County Recorder of Deeds
814-355-6801
rodinfo@co.centre.pa.us
A Brief History of Centre County
The act for creating parts of the counties of Mifflin, Northumberland, Lycoming, and Huntingdon into a separate county to be called "Centre" was approved February 19, 1800. Several changes in the boundary lines would take place before the current configuration was established in 1839.
Centre County is the fifth largest county in Pennsylvania covering 1,115 square miles comprising 25 second class townships and 11 boroughs. Centre County is the geographic center of the state. State College and the five neighboring townships of College, Patton, Ferguson, Halfmoon, and Harris have a combined population of more than 79,500. That accounts for more than 60 percent of the county's total population more then 134,000 residents.
The Centre County Grange Encampment and Fair is the last remaining old-time tenting fair in the nation. Held every August in Centre Hall, the fair started in 1874.
From 1918 to 1927 the Bellefonte Air Mail Field was the main stop between New York and Cleveland on the nation's first transcontinental airmail routes.
In 1921 the nation's last operating cold-blast charcoal iron furnaces closed at Curtin Village.
In 1864 the custom began of decorating soldiers' graves in Boalsburg and thus became Memorial Day. The town of Boalsburg was laid out by David Boal, a Revolutionary War captain and direct family connection to Christopher Columbus.
Bellefonte was home of baseball Hall of Fame member John Montgomery Ward, who set 50 major league records during his 1878-1894 career. He also pitched the second perfect game in history. Bellefonte was also the home of seven governors, five of Pennsylvania and two of other States.
The first church in the world to use electric lights was St. Paul's Episcopal in Philipsburg, PA. in 1882.
Various regions of Centre County were settled at different times, for different reasons, and by people of different ethnic heritages. Shawnee American Indians were the earliest inhabitants of the region. Today, the impact of the county's terrain and the original settlement patterns can be seen in the varying social, economic, environmental, political and ethnic patterns.
The county's population has more than doubled since World War II. Centre County today is a blend of urban, suburban, and rural regions. Wide-open spaces and beautiful vistas, hiking, biking, fishing, and hunting are just minutes from most residents' back doors. Home of one of the nation's finest public universities, Penn State adds a cosmopolitan flair to our county and keeps the local economy stable. The area commerce/manufacturing and agriculture entities provide something for nearly everyone. Centre County is served by major highway arteries including Interstate I-80 and Interstate I-99. University Park Airport is the fifth busiest airport in Pennsylvania. Centre County business and industry are an important role in the state's economy.
Much more Centre County history is available from the Centre County Historical Society and Centre County Library.
The County is governed by three elected Commissioners with their administrative offices in Bellefonte, PA. Also serving in elected capacities are four Judges, a Controller, Coroner, District Attorney, Prothonotary, Recorder of Deeds, Register of Wills, Sheriff, Treasurer, and two Jury Commissioners. The county is served by seven different public school systems and numerous charter/private schools. There are at least five Post-Secondary education schools that call Centre County home.
The Centre County Planning Commission has identified six regions within the county which group neighboring municipalities with similar characteristics.
The six regions are listed below with the townships and boroughs that make up each region.
- Centre Region
- College Township
- Ferguson Township
- Halfmoon Township
- Harris Township
- Patton Township
- State College Borough
- Mountaintop Region
- Snow Shoe Borough
- Burnside Township
- Snow Shoe Township
- Penns Valley Region
- Centre Hall Borough
- Millheim Borough
- Gregg Township
- Haines Township
- Miles Township
- Penn Township
- Potter Township
- Intervalley Region
- Bellefonte Borough
- Benner Township
- Marion Township
- Spring Township
- Walker Township
- Milesburg Borough
- Howard Borough
- Boggs Township
- Curtin Township
- Howard Township
- Liberty Township
- Moshannon Valley Region
- Philipsburg Borough
- South Philipsburg Borough
- Rush Township
- Upper Bald Eagle Region
- Port Matilda Borough
- Unionville Borough
- Huston Township
- Taylor Township
- Union Township
- Worth Township
Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
- WHAT ARE THE HOURS OF OPERATION OF THE RECORDER OF DEEDS OFFICE?
- The office is open on weekdays from 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.; Documents will be accepted for recording as close to 5:00 P.M. as practical. There are no Saturday or evening hours. The office will observe all scheduled County holidays.
- HOW FAR BACK DO YOUR RECORDS GO?
- Official county records begin as of 1800 when Centre County was founded. Some records created prior to 1800 may be found if they were recorded after the creation of the Centre County Recorder of Deeds Office.
- WHAT IS THE COUNTY REGISTRY OF DOCUMENTS?
- All papers presented to this office for recording must be ORIGINAL documents, properly executed, signed, dated, and acknowledged before a Notary Public with the Notary's legible seal, signature, and expiration date of the commission before they can be accepted for recording. The recording of any document is not an approval of the contents of that document. We do not check the accuracy of the information in each document. This office just records what is presented to us. In no way do we certify a document's contents are correct. If the document has satisfied the recording requirements, and all fees and taxes are paid, we will accept it for recording; assigning each document an instrument number, and applying a time and date stamp of recording. In order to track, catalog, and index each recording, every document page gets a Record Book volume and page number mechanically stamped on it. Each document receives a "Recorders Certification Stamp." All records are indexed by grantor and grantee. The records before 1989 are in "Deed," "Mortgage" or "Miscellaneous" books. Since 1989, all records are recorded in "Record Books."
- WHAT ARE THE RECORDING FEES?
- Click here for a complete fee schedule. Our fees are set by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania through action of the General Assembly and may be changed from time to time.
- HOW MANY CHECKS DO I NEED WHEN RECORDING?
- We can accept cash or check for recording fees. It is not necessary to present separate checks for state or local transfer taxes. All checks are payable to "Centre County Recorder of Deeds." Remember, all deeds and instruments conveying real estate need to have a "Uniform Parcel Identifier" number on the document before it can be recorded. This UPI number must be issued by the Centre County Assessment Office. A separate check made payable to County of Centre will be necessary for this process. To find out more about the UPI requirements, call the Assessment Office at 814-355-6721.
- MAY I DO RECORDING BY MAIL?
- Yes, but make sure all documents meet all legal recording criterion requirements and the proper fee is enclosed. All documents require self addressed stamped envelopes for return! Deeds that need a UPI number can be sent directly to the Assessment office and after the UPI number is affixed Assessment will forward the deed to the Recorder's office.
- CAN I GET INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE?
- General information can be obtained by phone, but for more detailed information you should come into the office or contact a Title Searcher or Attorney. Our responsibility is only for recording, reproducing, and indexing recordable documents. Therefore, we may refer you to qualified professionals for answers to some questions. Our staff cannot perform searches.
- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET DOCUMENTS BACK?
- The Recorder's Office will return original documents, in most cases, to the partywhich presented them for recording. Usually, it takes about 7-10 days to return documents. However, document return time is affected by volume of recordings, work loads, holidays, and staffing levels. Again: always, unless prior agreements are made with this office, provide a self-addressed envelope of proper size and with appropriate postage for document return! If you have not received your papers after three weeks, contact the person or firm who recorded them for you.
- WHY DOES IT TAKE 7-10 DAYS?
- For your protection and accurate permanent records, all documents are electronically imaged and the original is retained until the indexes and records are verified and proofed by at least two people. All electronic images are also backed up on hard disk and microfilm to meet Pennsylvania Historical Museum Commission requirements. The microfilm is stored off-site in a specially designed underground center so in the event of a disaster in the Willowbank Building or Courthouse the records can be duplicated.
- CAN ANYONE LOOK AT MY DEED OR MORTGAGE?
- Yes. All papers recorded in our office are public information with the exception of Military Discharge Papers. This means anyone can visit our office and look at your Deed or Mortgage.
- CAN I PREPARE MY OWN DEED?
- Yes. But it is usually a good idea to have someone with certain expertise in the field such as an Attorney or Title Company prepare it for you to make sure it's correct. Employees of our office may not prepare a deed for you.
- HOW DO I GET A COPY OF MY DEED OR MORTGAGE?
- You can get a copy by sending a request to the Recorder of Deeds Office. The charge is $.50 per page. If you need the copy certified there is an extra charge of $1.50. Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope for return.
- HOW DO I REPLACE A LOST DEED?
- By obtaining a copy as described above. We need the full name of the property owner, the location of the property, and approximate purchase date. A certified copy of a deed is a replacement for an original instrument.
- HOW DO I CHANGE, ADD OR ERASE A NAME ON A DEED?
- This can only be done by recording a new deed showing the change. A transaction must take place between the old owners and the new owners. Many people think they just come to the office and change the present deed on record. However, once a document is recorded, it cannot be changed. A new deed can be prepared by your Attorney.
- IS IT NECESSARY TO DELETE A DECEASED SPOUSE'S NAME?
- Generally no, if the property was held jointly by husband and wife as tenants by entireties. If and when the survivor sells or mortgages the property, he or she simply explains in the new deed or mortgage that the other spouse is deceased. There could be special circumstances such as when title is held as tenants in common that would require different handling. You should consult your Attorney.
- IF A WOMAN MARRIES SHOULD SHE CHANGE HER NAME ON HER DEED?
- It's not legally required, but again consult your Attorney. Each individual's situation may differ according to your own circumstances.
- IF I SELL A PORTION OF MY LAND, DO I GET A NEW DEED FOR THE REMAINDER?
- Generally no. Recorded documents show your original deed and the deed(s) for the portion(s) sold. Anyone searching records simply deducts the land you sold from the original deed. However, some local land use ordinances may require you to record a new deed for the remainder. Again, please consult an Attorney for concerning the necessity of a new deed.
- WHY IS A DEED RECORDED?
- A deed is valid and binding if it is signed by the grantor and delivered to the grantee. For numerous reasons, it's in your best interest to record it. Let's say you don't record your new deed, the former owner might acquire a mortgage on your property since the records in our office show he or she still owns it. You may go to apply for a mortgage and be denied because the public record does not show you have title to your property. The former owner may also get the tax statements, too.
- IF I BUILD ON MY LOT, DO I GET A NEW DEED FOR MY HOUSE?
- No. The original deed usually covers any buildings erected on the lot now or at a later date. However, there are deeds that have exceptions to structures.
- IF I FIND A MISTAKE IN MY DEED, HOW DO I CORRECT IT?
- Usually the same way you change a name, by recording a new deed. In this case it's called a deed of correction. Again: it's best if you get guidance from your attorney because each individual's circumstances are different.
MORTGAGES
- HOW IS MY MORTGAGE SATISFIED?
- The preferred method is to use a Mortgage Satisfaction Piece-a document that is signed and notarized by the mortgagee (your lender) with the mortgage recording information on it. In limited cases, a private lender may appear in our office or a Power of Attorney may be used.
- WHO SATISFIES MY MORTGAGE?
- The mortgagee (your lender) initiates this action. They may however, send the actual forms to you. Before making your final mortgage payment, contact your lender to see how it will be handled.
- WHAT DO I DO IF THE SATISFACTION PAPERS ARE SENT TO ME?
- Bring or mail the original mortgage and the Satisfaction Piece to our office with the proper fee. Lost mortgages may be satisfied by using a certified copy from our office.
TAXES
- WHAT IS REAL ESTATE TRANSFER TAX?
- There is a 1% State Tax and 1% Local Tax on the consideration or value of the property and interest being conveyed. The State share is forwarded to the Department of Revenue. The Local share is split between the municipality in which the real estate is located and the school district which serves that location.
- WHO PAYS THE TRANSFER TAX?
- The Recorder of Deeds Office will not accept a deed for recording unless presented with applicable fees for taxes due. In most sales agreements, its common practice for the buyer and seller to divide the tax equally. However, the new owner is responsible if there is any question over the amount of tax paid.
- ARE ANY TRANSACTIONS EXEMPT?
- Yes. Conveyances between husband and wife, parent and children, grandparent and grandchild, brothers and sisters. There are some other exemptions allowed in certain situations. It's best to consult your attorney or contact our office concerning them. In most cases nonprofit corporations are NOT exempt from real estate transfer tax. A conveyance between ex-spouses is exempt from transfer tax.
- WHAT IS A STATEMENT OF VALUE?
- It is a state form that is used to set the value of a property being conveyed or to explain the reason for an exemption of transfer tax. They must be presented with a deed that is exempt of tax and our office will forward them to the Department of Revenue for review and final approval. Statements of value are required any time the true value of a property is not shown on the deed (such as in a $1.00 consideration) or when the tax is not paid at recording.
SEEKING INFORMATION
- HOW DO I CHECK EASEMENTS, RIGHT OF WAYS AND DEED RESTRICTIONS ON MY GROUND?
- This could be difficult since deed restrictions do not have to be spelled out in each new deed. A restriction could be in a deed ten owners back and still be in effect. Most attorneys do complete searches before granting title insurance. These restrictions will be reported. You can retain their professional services for your questions. Our staff will help assist you in the procedure to look at prior deeds but we cannot do searches.
- HOW CAN I DETERMINE MY PROPERTY LINE?
- Your deed will have a legal description of the boundary of your property, but you need a surveyor to use this information to locate the property lines and place markers on the land.
- DO YOU HAVE PLANS SHOWING THE LOCATION OF MY BUILDING?
- Some plans are filed here that show the proposed location of buildings but in general the location of a residence on an individual lot is not recorded.
- WHAT IS THE ELEVATION OF MY PROPERTY?
- Topographic (TOPO) Quadrangle Maps are available in the Centre County Conservation District Office located in the Willowbank Building that show elevation and latitude and longitude of each area in the county.
- DO YOU RECORD DEEDS FOR CEMETERY LOTS?
- No. Usually a cemetery lot deed only gives you permission to use the ground. The cemetery still retains title to the property. Such "Deeds" or "Titles" are maintained in the office of the cemetery company or association.
- HOW CAN I CHECK FOR LIENS AGAINST MY PROPERTY?
- Except mortgages, most liens are filed in the Prothonotary's Office, not in the Recorder of Deeds Office. Our office maintains records of mortgages and secured transactions affecting real estate. Judgement liens, municipal liens and secured transactions affecting personal property are filed in the Prothonotary's Office.
- HOW CAN I DETERMINE THE OWNER OF A PROPERTY?
- Our records are by names, not location. If you want all the property owned by an individual, our records will list that. If you want to know who owns a certain lot, that information will be available in the Centre County Tax Assessment Office, on the third floor of the Willowbank Building. Their information will tell you the owner. If you need to research the deed for more information, come to our office with the owner's name.
- WHO WERE PREVIOUS OWNERS OF MY PROPERTY?
- In most cases, following the legal description in your deed is a section known as "Recital" or "Being Clause." It should provide the name of the person(s) who sold the property to the person(s) who then sold to you and the deed book and page number of that transaction. You should be able to look at previous deeds to follow the trail all the way back to the year 1800.
MILITARY DISCHARGES
- CAN I RECORD MY MILITARY DISCHARGE?
- Yes. It is a good idea to record it so if it is ever lost or destroyed you can obtain a certified copy. We will also provide you with a certified copy in the event. You need it for various Veteran benefits. There is no fee for recording military discharge records. Military discharge records are not available for public inspection, only the veteran or a qualified family member may inspect their discharge records.
Summary
Thank you for reviewing this information. The staff and I are pleased to have this opportunity to illustrate some of our many responsibilities and services we can provide. Centre County citizens can be proud of our Recorder of Deeds facilities. All information in this office is shared by Assessment Office, Tax Claim Office, Sheriff's Office and County Planning and Community Development Office. We are responsible for collecting Affordable Housing Program funds, for low cost housing in Centre County and County Record Improvement funds. The Recorder of Deeds Office is a revenue generator for county government with a net use of county funds in the order of 66 percent. Usually our operation contributes several hundred thousand dollars annually to the county budget. Located in the Willowbank Building, we use some of the most advanced technology available to the recording industry including computer imaging and real time indexing of documents. Pennsylvania Law and County Code require the Recorder of Deeds to keep a safe and secure record of important real estate documents. Of paramount concern to the staff is the integrity of these records. Please plan to come to the Centre County Recorder of Deeds office and review our operation and get familiar with the vital services we provide.
Thank you.
Accessibility/Access Keys
RSS Feeds