Selecting the correct deed clarifies the scope of title protection, reduces post-closing disputes, and aligns the transfer with the parties' intentions. Proper form and execution support recording, title insurance, and lender underwriting while minimizing the need for corrective filings.
Typical users include grantors, grantees, title companies, attorneys, and closing agents handling Maine property transfers.
A Real Estate Attorney reviews deed language, confirms grantee vesting, prepares accurate legal descriptions, and advises on title covenants. They coordinate notarization and recording at the county Registry of Deeds and can draft corrective instruments if issues arise.
A Title Officer examines chains of title, orders surveys, verifies liens, and prepares recording packages. They confirm deed execution meets county requirements, calculate recording fees, and issue title commitments or policies contingent on properly recorded deeds.
Identify grantor(s) and grantee(s) precisely, including full legal names and vesting form (individual, joint tenants, tenants by entirety, or entity). Accurate naming prevents title defects and supports title insurance issuance and recording.
State the exact monetary consideration or specified transfer language. Clear consideration statements reduce ambiguity for transfer tax reporting and support the deed's evidentiary value.
Include a complete recorded legal description (metes and bounds, lot and block, or recorded plan reference). Street addresses alone are insufficient and can cause recording rejection or title search problems.
Specify whether the transfer uses a quitclaim (no covenants), general warranty (full covenants), or special warranty (limited covenants). This defines the grantor's post-closing obligations and buyer protection level.
Include habendum language to delineate the estate conveyed (for example, fee simple) and note any reservations or easements that survive the conveyance.
A properly formatted notary acknowledgement with date and signature is required for recording; when available and permitted, RON may be acceptable under state notary rules.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signing Method | Remote e-sign or in-person wet signature |
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or ID verification |
| Notary | In-person notary or RON where allowed |
| File Format | PDF/A preferred for long-term archiving |
Prepare platform settings for secure execution, notarization support, and compliant storage of signed deeds with audit trail retention.
Sign and notarize before recording.
Record promptly to preserve priority, same day if possible.
Turnaround varies by county; often days to weeks.
Notify assessor per municipal rules after recording.
Keep originals and recorded copies permanently.
Prepare accurate legal description and covenants.
All grantors sign and date before a notary.
Submit original to county Registry of Deeds.
Distribute recorded copies to parties and file with assessor.
Complete deed including legal description and consideration.
Grantor and grantee verify accuracy prior to signing.
Add witnesses if state requires them for deeds.
Notary completes acknowledgement or RON session where allowed.
Calculate and include recording fees and excise taxes.
Deliver or upload original deed to county office.
Obtain recorded instrument and verify index data.
Provide copies to lender, grantee, and assessor.
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Trial varies | Trial varies | Trial varies | Trial varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
A homeowner transferred a parcel to an adult child using a quitclaim deed to clear family title without warranty obligations.
A seller used a general warranty deed in a residential sale to provide the buyer full title covenants and support lender underwriting.