Risk Management Blog

Deciding what data sources to trust is the first step in securing high-quality dependable search results. Over the next several weeks, we will be looking at the various search options that are available for state level UCC searches and discussing the benefits and drawbacks of each. The goal is that for our readers to gain a good understanding of their options and be able determine with confidence what source(s) best satisfy their… >> READ MORE

There is a variety of options available for the web-savvy individual to perform their own UCC searches. Many state and county filing offices now provide a searchable index at low to no cost on their websites and private service companies purchase lien data in bulk to create and maintain their own online search systems. So, why would anyone hire a professional to search for UCCs these days? Herein, we offer three good reasons to hire a service… >> READ MORE

First Corporate Solutions is launching a 3-part blog series on tax lien searching! This week’s post discusses why you should be searching for tax liens. Here is a schedule for upcoming topics on tax lien searching: Friday 10/22: Ordering a Tax Lien Search Tips on how to order your tax lien search to achieve the best results. Friday 10/29: Reviewing Tax Lien Search Results Expert advice on how to review and interpret your… >> READ MORE

In previous blog posts we have discussed in great detail the importance of listing the correct debtor name on a UCC1 Financing Statement and offered some tips for making sure you’ve gotten the name right. We encourage you to explore our older blog posts for more on this topic. To summarize, in order to perfect a security interest, a UCC filing must list the exact legal name of the debtor. For a business name that means the name on their… >> READ MORE

In late July, the California Secretary of State’s office announced that the Business Programs Division was making a change to the way they certify documents. Instead of attaching a separate certification page, state workers began applying certification by way of a stamp on the back of the final page of a document. Many other state filing offices have recently made similar changes to their certification procedures. A certified copy used… >> READ MORE

Learning the ins and outs of lien searching can be daunting. It seems like there is so much to know! Beginning-level searchers often ask First Corporate Solutions for advice on how to conduct better searches. Here are three quick tips to help you gain confidence and hone your skills. 1. Maximize Results to Minimize Risk A good strategy for lien searching is to maximize your results in order to minimize your risk. This means, cast a wide… >> READ MORE

Last week’s blog post offers some practical ideas of ways secured parties can reduce their UCC filing costs. Continuing the conversation on ways to make cuts from due diligence spending without increasing risk, this week we will answer question, “How can I reduce my costs for lien searching?” Self-search Much of the price associated with lien searching is the cost of labor. Working with an offline service provider can inflate due… >> READ MORE

As public records professionals, much of the work we do here at First Corporate Solutions deals with the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC). This month we have decided to give the code its due. We are putting the Uniform Commercial Code in the spotlight by naming May UCC Month! Each Friday we will publish a new blog post on a topic related to UCC. This week’s post provides a conceptual overview of the Uniform Commercial Code. First published… >> READ MORE

This post represents the final installment of our frequently asked questions blog series and it’s a big one. This week we will answer the question we get asked more than any other, which is, “When do I file my UCC3 Continuation Statement?” It is critical for a secured party to file timely continuations, as a lapsed filing ceases to be effective and opens the door for a subsequent filer to move into a priority position. The Uniform… >> READ MORE

FAQ Blog Series – Topic # 1 It’s a fact; public records can be confusing. Effective public records research requires the understanding of a dizzying array of codes and statutes, industry jargon and jurisdictional variances. As professionals in the field, there are certain questions that we get asked all the time. At First Corporate Solutions, we believe we fulfill a dual role of expert and educator, which is why are starting a blog… >> READ MORE