Unusual Title Issues in Older Washington Neighborhoods
2/12/2026 
Kirstin Hunt
Older Washington neighborhoods often reveal some of the most interesting title findings because many of the documents predate modern subdivision standards. It's common for our examiners to encounter legal descriptions referencing landmarks that no longer exist—trees, fence posts, or even "the large rock at the northwest corner."
These references were entirely normal at the time of recording, but they require careful interpretation today. Title teams read these documents slowly and thoroughly, cross-referencing historical maps, plats, and survey standards to ensure continuity.
We also encounter easements or agreements that were once vital but have lost relevance as neighborhoods evolved. For example, a century-old path leading to a shared well might still appear in the record, even though the well is long gone and municipal water has replaced it. These items may not directly impact modern use, but they still require documentation, review, and explanation because they remain part of the chain of title.
Another pattern in older areas is incomplete release documentation. Prior lenders or owners may have fully satisfied obligations, but the formal release never made it to county recording. When this occurs, title teams often initiate additional research or outreach to confirm that these historical encumbrances are resolved. This is a normal curative process—nothing unusual—but it does require extra diligence and communication.
These files also tend to contain multiple transfers of small parcels over time, resulting in descriptions that don't always align cleanly with current lot layouts. Examiners compare old and new documents to ensure accurate boundaries and confirm that no intervening conveyances were missed. This is one reason older neighborhood files often take a bit longer to review.