I have been looking at some land that I have been thinking about buying from a lady in my community. The thing is the orginal owner of the property passed away about 8 years ago and she just lived with the man,they were never married,but the deed has her maiden name and his last name on it with LE in (). What does(LE) mean after her name on this deed? I need to know before I make a desion on weather or not to buy. I know she was never married to the man because I also know his wife,they were separated for years before he died and they never divorced. And the wife's name is not on the deed. Do I need to steer clear and if I do buy it can the wife come back and take the land?

There are many things in which one does not know about the history and ownership of property. Standard land contracts or purchase agreements have verbage that states that the seller shall convey to the buyer marketable title. This means the title should be free and clear of any title defects. One of the things that Title companies do before closing on the property is to do a "Title Search". This is a quick way of checking for common title defects.

Lenders will all require that the lendee purchase a "Lenders Title Insurance Policy" at closing which will insure their interests in the property. Buyers can purchase a "Owners Title Policy" which protects their interests.

Call any title company in your area for more information.