Like it or not, real estate transactions are public record

When a person buys a house or refinances real estate, the warranty deed and mortgage are filed at the courthouse and become public record. Anyone can look up a deed or mortgage to find out how much their neighbor borrowed against their house, and even for how much it was purchased. These public records are the reason people get swamped with junk mail when they refinance or purchase a home. 

Have you ever bought something and then found the same item much cheaper soon after? When buying a home, DO NOT pay any company $89 to get a certified copy of your deed. This is a scam that fools people into paying for something they don’t need. You will receive the original deed at no extra cost. In Georgia, if there comes a time when you need a certified copy, you can get it at the courthouse for $2.50.