Verifying the property owner

[Victor Noriega]

Hi, I have a motivated seller for a vacant lot who contacted me yesterday.  He was the step-son of the property owner.  He found me after one of my direct mail campaigns.  He mentioned his step-father was deceased and he was now the owner of the property.  This is a going to be a cash deal, and I am still new to land buying, so I am using a title company for all my closings.  Before I send out the contract to purchase, what documentation should I request from the seller to verify they are the owners?  The individual I spoke with mentioned that his attorney said he was the owner, so I'm sure there is some type of documentation.  I will contact the title company to verify the cost out of pocket in case the person I am in contact with is not the actual owner.  

[Wayne Brooks]

When your title co. Runs the title search, they'll find out if he has the right to sell.  If not, they can tell you what he needs.  A couple hundred bucks.