IS THE SECRECY OF A LAND TRUST LAWFUL? RANDY HUGHES
requirements, tax re-assessments or the due-on-sale clause, a vast majority will not. Most people who utilize a land
trust do so with good intentions in mind. (i.e. estate planning, privacy concerns, asset protection, etc.).
Certainly public officials should not be allowed to use land trusts to defraud the public and building code
violators should be held accountable, but in the typical residential real estate sales transaction the buyer is
protected via the seller disclosure laws, title companies and attorneys involved in the transaction, regardless of
whether a land trust is used or not. Further, the liability for the property held inside a land trust flows through to
the beneficiary. While an LLC or other entity can be the beneficiary to a land trust, ultimate liability is not avoided
by using a land trust.
Because our American legal system has run amuck and contingency fee lawyers abound, I do not favor the free
flow of information as it relates to property ownership. Since there is no Federal land trust law (only state-by-
state), the likelihood of legally compelling land trust beneficiaries to disclose information voluntarily about the
title or condition of their property is unlikely in most states, if at all.
If you would like more information about the many benefits of using a Land Trust, please email me for my FREE
booklet, “50 Reasons to Use a Land Trust.” Or, if you would like to watch my FREE Land Trust Webinar, go to:
www.landtrustwebinar.com .
Randy Hughes, Mr. Land Trust
Randy started life out on the wrong side of the railroad tracks. His father was an alcoholic and
his mother was left to raise four children on a clerk’s wages. None of his relatives owned their
own business…everyone worked for wages.
Randy knew that there MUST be a better way to live. Education came first. Randy graduated
from college and began buying single family homes. As of today, Randy has purchased over 200
houses.
Randy has taught real estate classes at the University of Illinois, Parkland College and Elgin
Community College. He authors the only Land Trust Newsletter and Blog in the country and is
the founder of the Land Trust University. Randy is an Expert Author for EzineArticles.com,
REIClub.com and is a faculty member for Lorman Education Services in Eau Claire, WI. Randy
is also an advisor and contributor to Jeffry Taylor’s Mr. Landlord Newsletter and Website in
Virginia Beach, VA. To learn more about Randy call: 866-696-7347 or go to:
www.realestateforprofit.com
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