21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: What It Means for Due Diligence
The most significant housing legislation in more than three decades is now on the books. On July 11, 2026, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act became law after clearing …
Blog
Multi-Jurisdictional Corporate Compliance: A Smarter Approach
Corporate Compliance x Real-World Complexity: Navigating Multi-Jurisdictional Filings the Smart (Safe) Way. Corporate compliance rarely makes headlines, yet it quietly shapes the stability of transactions, the credibility of entities, and …
What Is the “Taylor Swift Tax”? Rhode Island’s New Luxury Property Surcharge Takes Effect July 2026
Rhode Island’s Non-Owner Occupied Property Tax Act, widely known as the “Taylor Swift Tax,” takes effect on July 1, 2026. What began as a proposal has been signed into law, …
Data Centers, Farmland, and Due Diligence: Lessons from Menomonie, Wisconsin
In the summer of 2025, residents of Menomonie, Wisconsin learned that a Delaware-based company called Balloonist, LLC had proposed a $1.6 billion data center campus on roughly 320 acres of …
Why Public Records Research Still Demands Expert Eyes
AI is excellent at aggregation. It can pull recorded deeds, mortgages, liens, and judgments at a speed no human can match. But the moment context matters, the work shifts back to people. Lacy Sadarangani on why public records research still demands expert eyes.
A Groundbreaking Discovery: Helium in Northeastern Minnesota
In early 2024, Pulsar Helium confirmed what could be one of the richest helium deposits in North America near Babbitt, Minnesota. Since then, the project has advanced significantly, with new …
You Can’t Automate Human Judgment: Key Takeaways from the ALTA AI for Small Business Bootcamp
I recently had the opportunity to serve as a facilitator at ALTA’s inaugural AI for Small Business Bootcamp. This virtual half-day event gave our industry something it needs more of: …
The Impact of AI on Public Records: Why Human-Verified Research Still Matters in 2026
Capitol Lien was featured in the March issue of the Minnesota Paralegal Association’s Citations Magazine! In this article, Hunter Ayers and Lacy Sadarangani explore how AI is reshaping public records …
Success Story: No Dead Ends, How Edna Grife Conquered a Century-Deep Energy Search
Some projects test the limits of what’s possible. When a client requested an energy search going all the way back to patent in a county notorious for its complicated records, …
UCC Searches Explained: What They Are, Why They Matter, and How They Protect Lender
UCC searches don’t have to be confusing. Learn what they are, why lenders rely on them, and how they help prevent costly collateral and priority issues.
Beyond “I’m Not a Lawyer”: Protecting Yourself and Your Client on the UPL Tightrope
“I can’t give you legal advice.” It’s the most important phrase in a paralegal’s vocabulary. Yet, in the fast-paced, client-focused world of a modern law practice, it can feel like …
FIRPTA: What It Is, When It Applies, and Why It Matters at Closing
If you’ve ever handled a real estate transaction involving a foreign buyer or seller, you’ve likely come across the acronym FIRPTA. It’s not the flashiest topic in real estate, but …
The AI Co-Pilot: How Technology is Elevating, Not Eliminating, the Paralegal Role
The headlines are everywhere: “AI is coming for legal jobs.” For many in the legal profession, particularly paralegals whose work often involves deep document analysis and research, this can sound …
Abstracting for the Future: How Energy vs. Data Center Properties Differ in Title Research
As renewable energy projects and large-scale data centers expand across the United States, the title industry is being asked to navigate increasingly complex property landscapes. For abstractors, the assignment to …
FinCEN’s Real Estate Reporting Rule: What Title Companies Need to Know
Status Update (May 2026): On March 19, 2026, a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas vacated FinCEN’s Residential Real Estate Reporting Rule in …
Homestead Mortgage Fraud: The Sneaky Scheme Title Pros Need to Watch For
Property fraud takes many forms, from forged deeds to fabricated LLC transfers, but one type that’s gaining traction and often flies under the radar is homestead mortgage fraud. It may …
When Minerals Meet Renewables: How Mining Claims Can Complicate Solar and Wind Projects
As the United States accelerates its transition to renewable energy, solar farms and wind projects are spreading across the country. But beneath the sunlit fields and windy ridges lies an …
Why Title Abstracting Is Best Kept in America: A Case for Domestic Expertise
In today’s globalized economy, offshoring has become a common strategy for businesses seeking to cut costs. The title industry has not been immune to this trend, with some companies outsourcing …
What Is the Torrens Land System? A Guide for Title and Real Estate Professionals
The Torrens system is a land registration framework that simplifies property ownership verification by issuing a Certificate of Title, which serves as definitive proof of ownership under state supervision. Unlike …
Choosing the Right Legal Entity: Startup versus Scale-Up
The selection of a legal entity is one of the most consequential decisions a business can make, with implications for liability, taxation, governance, and growth. While startups typically prioritize simplicity …
Understanding Mineral Rights and the Importance of Trained Mineral Researchers
Mineral rights refer to the ownership of the subsurface resources beneath a parcel of land, including valuable commodities like oil, gas, coal, precious metals, and other minerals. These rights can …
FHFA Title Acceptance Pilot: What Title Professionals Need to Know
The Federal Housing Finance Agency’s Title Acceptance Pilot remains one of the most closely watched developments in the title industry. Announced in March 2024, the pilot has expanded modestly while …
Cyberattacks and the County Recorder’s Office: What Title Professionals Need to Know
County recorder and register of deeds offices have become targets for ransomware and cyberattacks, and the consequences for the title industry are immediate and practical. When a county’s recording system …
Understanding Survivorship Marital Property vs. Joint Tenancy in Wisconsin: What’s the Difference?
When purchasing or inheriting real estate in Wisconsin, the way property is titled has significant legal and financial consequences. Two common forms of ownership, Survivorship Marital Property and Joint Tenancy …
August Spotlight – Cathy Prescher
We’re excited to feature Cathy in our August Employee Spotlight! Name: Cathy Prescher Job Title: Customer Service Coordinator Years at Capitol Lien: Almost 10 years
July Spotlight – Kong Yang
We’re excited to feature Kong in our July Employee Spotlight! Name: Kong Yang Job Title: Abstractor Time at Capitol Lien: 3.5 months
Verify Before You File: Florida’s New AI Rule Puts Accuracy on the Signer
Florida just drew a clear line in the sand on artificial intelligence in the courtroom, and the message is refreshingly simple. If you put a citation in a court filing, …
June Spotlight – Andrea Pecora
We’re excited to feature Andrea in our June Employee Spotlight! Name: Andrea PecoraJob Title: AbstractorYears at Capitol Lien: 6m – 28d What’s a unique skill or perspective you bring to …
Port Washington’s $15 Billion Data Center Campus: What Title and Real Estate Professionals Should Know
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational and industry-awareness purposes only. Capitol Lien is not affiliated with or involved in the Port Washington data center project or any related development …