Bad Data and Deed Transfers

One of the most difficult things to find when researching properties is the ownership information — sure, we have a wealth of databases available to us in Maryland, but when the data listed is incorrect, either due to a “clerical error” or a property owner not transferring the deed, things can get tricky.

Baltimore City is the only municipality in the state that self-reports its property transfer information to the State Department of Assessments and Taxation.  For this reason, it’s really important to look at many sources and do a lot more research than just looking in one or two places — particularly for mapping and writing about property ownership.

These properties were purchased in tax sales in Baltimore City, and the right of redemption was foreclosed on by the new owners. Because the new owners never transferred the property, as required by law, the ownership information in the state database is incorrect.  (Many thanks to RR for doing the research so I could illustrate this ongoing problem).

Property Addresses:

• 5300 Maple Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
• 5332 Maple Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215
• 3010 W Garrison Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21215

Property Owner (Actual):  ETS Maryland, 3604 Eastern Avenue, #400, Baltimore, MD 21224 (Charter has been forfeited, address is the same used by disbarred attorneys Delaurentis, Reiff, and Reid)

This property, 1819 W Fairmount, was also acquired in a tax sale by another shell company, this one controlled by John Reiff:

Property Owner (Actual):  Montego Bay Properties, LLC, 3604 Eastern Avenue, #400, Baltimore, MD 21224, John K Reiff, registered agent