Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1927-04-02
REAL ESTATE

The great value of the projected re-
organization Of the office methods and
administrative procedure of the office
of the recorder of deeds along lines
recommended by the Bureau of Eff
cheney today was cited by the Wash
ington Real Estate Board in state
ment describing the proposed changes
and again urging the pressing need
OF new fireproof home for the deeds
office.
The last Congress authorized con-
struction of a new deeds building. bu
delayed appropriation OF the necessary
funds. Congress evidenced its deep
interest in the problem. however the
Real Estate Board points out. in en-
acting the law placing the mainte-
nance of the Office of the recorder OF
deeds on an appropriation basis after
July next.
subsequently, the Bureau Of Eff
cheney was requested by congressional
committees to make survey of the
work and operation of the deeds OF
fee with a view to suggesting changes
in administrative procedure. office
methods and existing law designed to
place the office on the most efficient
basis, at the lowest possible cost.
Survey Revealed Laxity.
Less than a year ago, it is recalled,
the NdSfllilSkpH Ak1dt Dual "a
conducted a. nationwide survey. which
showed that Washington was serious
deficient in the care of its valuab bic
papers affecting properties and impor-
tant financial transactions. The board
at that time showed the amazing diff
ference in the efficient way other
cities handled this problem and the
lax manner in which Washington has
been handling it.
~ Ix.yf In Ia CT =
requires that all fees received by the
recorder of deeds, without deductions
of any kind, be deposited in the United
States Treasury to the credit of the
District of Columbia and that the
work of the office be carried on by ap-
prooriation. The Washington Real
Estate Board and its members were
called into consultation by the Bureau
of Efficiency, which made a thorough
study of the situation.
The most encouraging change
through recommendations resulting
from this study, the Real Estate Board
points out, viii be the possibility thai
all original instruments may be re
turned to their owners within s days
after they are filed for entry with the
recorder of deeds. In the past, year
to year and half was required fol-
the return of original papers.
1t is stressed, however, that there
are now on hand in the office some
thing like 100000 original documents
that have been already recorded ant
not called for by owners
The owners are urged to call for
their deeds, as space is urgently
needed by the recorder. and the adj
visibility of the owner of property
having them in his possession is ap-
parent on the face. 1t is pointed out
that if they have mislaid or lost their
receipts they can establish their
identity to get their deeds trusts or
releases by simply signing receipt
book for the same. 1t is the hope of
he recorder that all arrearages in the
work of the Offices will be brought up
to-date by the end of December. 1927.
Fire Hazard Is Cited.
The ever-present fire hazard to these
valuable documents in the deeds Office
also is cited by the Real Estate Board
as a reason for their withdrawal by
their owners. Should a fire break out
in this building, the board warns, not
only might the recorders records. but
the original instruments as well might
be destroyed.
While the deeds Office is housed in
a fireproof building, the board says.
there always is some danger OF fire
destroying all or part of its records.