Deed Type
Clearly label the instrument as Quitclaim, General Warranty, or Special Warranty to define the grantor's covenants and the scope of title assurances.
Selecting the appropriate deed type clarifies the scope of title protection, allocates risk between parties, and affects title insurance and resale value. Properly completed and recorded deeds establish priority and reduce the risk of later disputes.
Several professional and private parties commonly prepare and execute these deeds depending on the transaction type and complexity.
In many transactions multiple parties collaborate—attorneys draft or review, title companies handle recording, and grantors must sign before a notary for valid recording.
A title officer reviews the deed language, confirms the legal description, coordinates recording, and advises on whether a warranty or special warranty deed is appropriate for issuing title insurance.
The grantor must be the current owner listed on title records; they sign the deed, provide valid identification for notarization, and confirm the consideration and legal description before recording.
Clearly label the instrument as Quitclaim, General Warranty, or Special Warranty to define the grantor's covenants and the scope of title assurances.
List full legal names, marital status if required, and mailing addresses for indexing and tax correspondence.
Provide the recorded lot, block, subdivision, or metes-and-bounds description exactly as in county records to avoid ambiguity during recording.
State the consideration amount or nominal consideration and include any applicable transfer tax declaration required by county or state law.
Include a notary or RON acknowledgement block meeting county standards so the recorder can accept the deed for filing.
Leave space for clerk stamps and recording data; include a return address for the recorded copy to be mailed back.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Authentication | Email + SMS code or stronger KBA where required |
| Notarization | Support in-person acknowledgement and RON where state rules allow |
| Templates | Preload deed templates with conditional fields for deed type |
| Record Copy | Generate flattened, high-resolution PDF for submission to recorder |
Confirm platform support for notarization, PDF/A output, and integrations with title software before e-signing deeds.
Use a platform that preserves an unalterable audit trail, supports required authentications, and can produce the signed PDF and certificate needed for county recording and title files.
| 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 | Yes, 7-day trial | No | No | Yes, limited | Yes, limited |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Tim Martin used online templates to prepare warranty deeds for small residential closings.
Optica Ventures processed multiple quitclaim transfers for entity restructuring.
Record immediately after execution to protect priority against intervening conveyances.
Determine proration dates at closing; property tax cycles vary by county.
Retain executed originals and recorded copies per retention timelines for audits and title searches.
If a recording error occurs, file a corrective or corrective quitclaim deed as soon as possible.
Allow several business days for local recording and indexing; processing time varies by county workload.
Prepare deed language, confirm legal description and consideration before execution.
Grantor signs in presence of notary or via approved RON method.
Submit deed, required fee, and any transfer tax form to county recorder.
Receive stamped copy, update title insurance records and notify grantee.