Why Messy Title STL exists
Every neighborhood in the St. Louis area has houses that are stuck — not because anything is wrong with the house, but because something is wrong with the paperwork. The owner passed away and nobody transferred the deed. A dozen cousins inherited a share and no one knows who they all are. A loan paid off decades ago was never released. The taxes fell behind while the family tried to figure it out.
Most buyers walk away from those houses. Justin Mason started Messy Title STL to do the opposite: to dig into the records, figure out what's actually clouding the title, and give families a clear, honest path forward — whether that means buying the house directly or pointing them to the right next step.
What a chain of title analyst does
The chain of title is the history of a property's ownership as it appears in the public record: every deed, estate, lien, release and court judgment that affects who owns it today. As a chain of title analyst, Justin traces that history link by link to find where it breaks — a missing deed, an heir who was never accounted for, an unreleased deed of trust, an old judgment.
As a curative title consultant, he then maps out what it would take to cure each defect: what documents are needed, who has to sign, when a court proceeding is required, and roughly what's involved. That analysis is the foundation for the free property review Messy Title STL offers and for every offer the company makes.
How Justin works with families
- Plain English. Title problems are confusing. You'll get an explanation of what's going on with your property that actually makes sense.
- Honest options. Sometimes the best move is to clear the title and list the house with an agent, or to keep it. If a sale to Messy Title STL isn't the right fit, Justin will say so.
- Respect for the family. Inherited and heirs' property often involves grief and complicated relationships. Every heir deserves to be treated fairly.
- Working alongside professionals. When a situation needs a probate or real estate attorney, a title company or a tax professional, Justin is glad to work alongside them.
Please note: Justin Mason is not an attorney, and Messy Title STL is not a law firm or a title insurance company. Justin does not give legal advice or represent anyone in court. Messy Title STL is not affiliated with any law firm. When your situation calls for legal advice or a court filing, you should work with a licensed Missouri attorney.
Where we work
Messy Title STL is based in St. Louis and works with properties in St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County, Missouri. Learn more about the situations we help with:
Get in touch
You can reach Justin directly at (314) 226-8616 or justin@st1724llc.com, or send the free property review form.