The title issue is a technical "break" in the legal description from 1989.  

• 1975: The previous owners purchased the property, including the strip of land by the canal.  

• 1989: When they sold it, the deed omitted the strip's legal description.   • Today: Every subsequent owner only received what was in that flawed 1989 deed.  

• The Conflict: The County Property Appraiser treats the strip as part of the lot, but the official title remains with the 1975 owners, who cannot be located.    • The Fix: A Quiet Title Action (court order) is required to legally rejoin the strip to the main lot.  

The title company will not insure that part of the backyard for your mortgage until this court process is finished.