SFH with Outstanding Contract for Deed – Pursue or Walk Away

[Brad Garcia]

Hello, I have come across an off market property in which the owner knows there is an outstanding contract for deed. From my understanding, the current owner has fulfilled the contract but the past seller never executed or recorded a deed to the buyer. This is a new one for me, so just curious if there have been similar experiences and what the resolution to this is.

I was thinking to talk to a title company to do a title search, but since I know it is not clear already, will this help in the resolution? Should I be inquiring with a lawyer instead?

Is it possible/or advised against to purchase the property with a Special Warranty Deed or Quit Claim Deed? And with that type of risk, can an attorney/title company predict any issues in correcting the title?

What is the typical process to clear the title? Find previous owner and ask to execute the deed or take to court (based on evidence the current owner made good on the contract?)

Thanks for any insight!