Original deed and note are gone and can't be produced

[William Brown]

Hi, I am trying to wholesale a pre forclosed house. But the owner still owes on the property and the original deed and note are destroyed and she says the deed cannot be produced. Can I still make this a deal or no? If I can what can I do to make this into a deal please help thanks.

[Marc Winter]

@William Brown deeds are recorded in the county recorders (or recorder of deeds) office of the county in which the subject property is situated.  A note, which is a guarantee of payment concerning a mortgage (usually) is an entirely different issue.  However, the mortgage/note and/or deed of trust with mortgaging info should be available at the appropriate county recorders office.

If it is not there and is therefore not recorded, I would pass on this house:  the person trying to sell it to you may not be the actual owner.