Posted by Steve-Atl on June 13, 2000 at 13:16:53:
A title search is the only way I know to confirm a mortgage has been placed on the property. You should be able to get a copy of the actual document showing the lender and original balance.
I suppose the remaining balance would come from the payor, or from the lender if the payor authorized you to talk to them.
Before you buy you need a payoff letter from the lender to confirm what you have been told.