I don't know how well it holds up in court but I know companies like Google and Microsoft use it.

I would have to then go to court and put money out and I have yet to see what the inside of this house looks like.

Petersburg landlord faces the prospect of federal prison.The landlord, age 55, admits in court papers that he falsified lead paint disclosure forms, making it appear that renters knew of a risk before moving into contaminated apartments.

Just trying to shed more light than is typically shown.Bill, the ball is in your court.

Husband passed away beginning of 2014Their property was in default starting mid 2013 and the bank has filed foreclosure notices but no court date has been set. 

No we screen our own.Here is our process.A search of court records to see what civil and criminal litigation the tenant may have been involved in and whether the tenant has disclosed thisAre you who you say you are.Do you and have you lived where you say you have lived.Do you have landlord references.Do you and have you worked where you say you have worked.Do you earn what you say you earn.Can we see your recent bank statements (reasonable redactions ok).Can we visit you in your current residence. 

This will allow you to argue in court that a reasonable person could not have known of the unrecorded lien and perhaps have the sale nullified on those grounds.I consider myself to be highly skilled at title search.

Thank you @Chris Martin, that just saved me several thousand dollars is court penalty fees.  

I believe in most counties you actually have to go to the court house or use a title company to dig into whether title is insurable (good).

If he didn't finish the job, I wouldn't pay him another penny until he does -- you've already paid 90% of the job, and I wouldn't pay the last 10% until the job is completed.As for the extra $5300, that's up to you if you want to pay it or not, and if you want to risk the contractor not completing the job (if he hasn't already) or potentially putting a lien on the house or taking you to court (both of which you should be able to remedy if you have a reasonable contract for the $31K price).Long story short, consider this a good learning experience, and be sure to clearly define payment/draw schedules in the future, along with a clear process for change orders.