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The Risks of Publicly Listing Your Name as a Property Owner

Owning property is a significant achievement and a valuable asset. However, having your name publicly listed as the owner of a property in public records can expose you to various risks. It is crucial to be aware of these potential threats to protect yourself and your property. Here are some risks associated with publicly listing your name as a property owner:

  1. Scams and Fraud: Scammers often target property owners by searching public records to find potential victims. They may use your information to create fake deeds or impersonate you in real estate transactions. This can lead to financial losses or even the loss of your property if not detected and addressed promptly.
  2. Lawsuits from Injuries on Your Property: If someone gets injured on your property, you could be held liable, especially if the injured party believes you were negligent in maintaining a safe environment. Being publicly listed as the property owner makes it easier for plaintiffs to identify and sue you, potentially resulting in costly legal battles and settlements.
  3. Harassment: Having your name publicly associated with your property can lead to unwanted attention and harassment. This can come from various sources, including disgruntled tenants, activists, or even strangers with malicious intent. Harassment can take many forms, from physical vandalism to online stalking and threats.
  4. Targeting by Criminals: Criminals may use public records to target property owners for burglaries, home invasions, or other crimes. Knowing that you own valuable property can make you a more attractive target for theft or extortion.
  5. Privacy Concerns: In today’s digital age, privacy is a growing concern. Having your name publicly listed as a property owner can lead to a loss of privacy, as your personal information is easily accessible to anyone with internet access. This can be particularly troubling for individuals who value their anonymity or have safety concerns.
  6. Unwanted Solicitations: Real estate agents, developers, and other businesses often use public records to identify property owners for marketing purposes. This can lead to an influx of unsolicited mail, phone calls, and emails, which can be annoying and time-consuming to manage.

Mitigating Risk of Home Ownership

To mitigate these risks, property owners can consider using legal entities such as trusts or limited liability companies (LLCs) to hold property titles. This can provide a layer of anonymity and protection, as the entity’s name, rather than the individual’s, will be listed in public records. It is essential to consult with legal and financial advisors to determine the best strategy for your specific situation and ensure that your property and personal information are adequately protected.

For property owners looking to enhance their privacy and protect their assets, GetDynasty offers a convenient solution. By creating a Trust with GetDynasty, property owners can enjoy the benefits of anonymity without the usual costs. As part of their subscription, GetDynasty provides assistance in transferring the deed to the newly created Trust, streamlining the process and ensuring that the property is securely held within the Trust. With GetDynasty, property owners can easily establish a Trust for free and enjoy peace of mind knowing that their assets are well-protected.

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What is a Trust?

A Living Trust is a financial tool that lets you plan, organize, and protect your life. It’s a personal entity that allows you to add assets and plan out your inheritance. Eliminating legal battles, cost, and time spent by your loved ones. 

Think of it like a personal LLC that you put everything you own in. Except it doesn’t protect you from liability like an LLC does, it protects you from probate and conservatorship. 

Probate is the complicated court process (12-18 months) where a judge decides what happens to your assets after you die, become incapacitated, or are “deemed” incapable. Creating a living trust allows your assets to completely circumvent probate and immediately transfer to your loved ones. 

In addition to being able to name heirs (your beneficiaries), a Trust also allows you to assign someone to manage it (your successor trustee). Instead of going through probate, your Successor Trustee takes control of the Trust, handles your affairs, and distributes your assets according to your instructions. The person you select as Successor Trustee should be your most trusted person. Like a best friend or closest family member.

At Dynasty, we believe everyone should have a Living Trust. If you have children, assets, or plan to acquire assets in the future, you should create a Trust. That way when you buy your next home, open a bank or brokerage account, get startup shares, etc. – you can immediately title them in your trust.