Buying a home is usually a daunting and expensive process. However, one lucky homebuyer in Nevada got the surprise of a lifetime when a copy-paste error resulted in her acquiring 87 properties instead of just one.

The buyer had originally intended to purchase a single-family home in Sparks, Nevada, valued at $594,481. But due to a mistake made by the title company, her purchase included 84 additional house lots and two extra parcels in Toll Brothers’ Stonebrook development near Reno.

While this may sound like a dream come true, it turned out that some of the properties had already been sold and developed by other buyers. The Washoe County Assessor’s Office promptly flagged the transaction and informed Toll Brothers about the error.

So how did this mix-up happen? It was as simple as a copy-paste error by the title company, Westminster Title. They accidentally copied the legal description from another Toll Brothers transfer, leading to the transfer of these additional properties to the unsuspecting buyer.

The Washoe County Assessor’s Office, responsible for updating ownership information, relies on legal descriptions rather than parcel numbers. The official recorded transaction included the legal description of “lots 1 through 85… and Common Areas A and B.”

To rectify the situation, the buyer will need to transfer the title of the properties back to Toll Brothers, who can then proceed with selling them to new buyers through the regular process. Fortunately, the cooperating parties were eager to expedite this process and resolve the situation promptly.

While errors with legal descriptions are not uncommon, this case stands out due to the large number of properties involved. Cori Burke, the chief deputy assessor for Washoe County, explained that such mistakes often occur due to copy-paste errors. Despite the potential for complications, Burke believes that the buyer’s clear intent, as evidenced by the purchase agreement, would make it unlikely for any legal disputes to arise.

The title company took swift action to correct the error, and on August 9, 2022, the rightful ownership of the properties was returned through a new document recorded by Westminster Title. The Assessor’s Office has since updated the ownership records accordingly.

This fortunate incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by homebuyers in 2022. First-time buyers, in particular, are struggling amid high mortgage rates and soaring house prices, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable. The U.S. median listing price for single-family homes reached $450,000 in June, marking a significant increase from previous years. As a result, prospective buyers are faced with difficult decisions and uncertain market conditions.

While some experts advise waiting for the market to stabilize, others fear that waiting could result in missed opportunities or a further decline. Rachel Luna, the principal of Patriot Title in Houston, cautions buyers against making hasty decisions and emphasizes the importance of personal financial stability. Luna advises potential buyers to evaluate their debt, establish an emergency fund, and ensure that their monthly house payment does not exceed 25% of their monthly take-home pay.

In conclusion, while buying a home can be a challenging process, luck sometimes shines upon homebuyers in unexpected ways. For this fortunate buyer, a copy-paste error gave her not just one, but 87 properties for the price of a single home. However, it’s important for potential buyers to consider their own financial circumstances and exercise caution before making such a significant investment.