I'm working on a project that involves 3 adjacent parcels (A, B & C). According to the most recent deeds I've found (2018), 2 are currently owned by Smith, 1 is owned by Church1. But I noticed a peculiar title history for all 3.
In the listing below, Smith, Jones, Doe and Roe are individuals; Church1 and Church2 are non-profit religious organizations (which may share governing bodies, not sure); and Bank is an S&L.
Parcel A (Smith's house)
- 1986 Doe to Jones
- 1990 Jones to Church1
- 1991 Church1 to Jones
- 2003 Jones to Church1
- 2004 Church1 to Jones
- 2004 Jones to Church1
- 2006 Church1 to Jones
- 2006 Jones to Church1
- 2018 Church1 to Smith
Parcel B (vacant lot)
- 1991 Roe to Church1
- 2003 Church1 to Jones
- 2003 Jones to Church1
Parcel C (ethnic cultural center)
- 1986 Bank to Jones
- 1990 Jones to Church1
- 1991 Church1 to Jones
- 1996 Jones to Church2
- 2008 Church2 to Church1
- 2018 Church1 to Smith
Smith lives in a house on Parcel A, and appears to be in charge of the cultural center, which is run (I think) by Church1.
I've been trying to come up with a logical explanation for all the ping-pong transfers -- legal or otherwise -- but none have suggested themselves yet. Anyone here ever seen a pattern like this and/or have an explanation for it?
The only thing halfway comparable that comes to mind is a situation with Industry 1 owning a tract. They are eligible for money from the sky via a community development block grant. They deed the tract to City to satisfy the terms of the grant. When the grant documents and terms are complete, the City deeds the tract back to Industry 1. This can happen multiple times.
