Parties
Full legal names of grantor and grantee using exact entity or personal names as shown on government ID or formation documents to prevent identity or title mismatches.
A correct deed establishes legal ownership, supports recording and title insurance, and preserves the parties' rights. It reduces the risk of disputes, enables marketable title for sale or financing, and creates a clear public record that affects tax and lien priority.
Typical participants include grantors, grantees, real estate attorneys, title companies, closing agents, and notaries. Use the right professional depending on transaction complexity and state practice.
For complex transfers—trusts, estates, boundary disputes, or tax planning—engage counsel. Simpler conveyances may proceed through a title company or closing agent, but name accuracy and correct legal description remain mandatory.
Full legal names of grantor and grantee using exact entity or personal names as shown on government ID or formation documents to prevent identity or title mismatches.
A precise legal description—metes and bounds or lot-block-plat citation—matching county records; street addresses are supplementary, not a substitute for the legal description.
Clear grant language indicating warranty, special warranty, or quitclaim deed and any covenants, exceptions, or reservations affecting title or use rights.
Statement of monetary amount, nominal consideration, or description of exchanged value; required by some states for transfer tax and recording purposes.
Notary acknowledgement or jurat language, and any witness signatures required by the state for the deed to be recordable.
Space reserved for recorder stamps, instrument number, and county use; ensure margins comply with local recording standards.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Upload Document | PDF or DOCX preferred |
| Place Signature Fields | Grantor, notary, witnesses |
| Authentication Method | SMS code or knowledge-based |
| Recording Attachments | Include transfer tax forms |
Not all counties accept the same electronic formats or remote notarization methods. Verify the county recorder and notary commission rules before relying on fully digital execution.
Where permitted, combine remote online notarization, secure eSignature, and certified PDF output to create a defensible electronic record; ensure the solution supports long-term preservation and audit evidence for future title examinations.
Execute deed on the agreed closing date.
Record immediately after closing to protect lien priority.
Submit any transfer tax forms per county instructions promptly.
Coordinate payoff to avoid residual liens at recording.
Resolve escrows before final recording when possible.
Purchase agreement signed and contingencies identified.
Title company issues commitment and lists exceptions.
Deed executed, notary acknowledgement completed, witnesses added if required.
County recorder indexes the deed and issues instrument number.
Export a certified PDF/A with an embedded audit trail and preservation metadata to satisfy most archiving and title examiner needs.
Include affidavit of consideration, transfer tax return, recorded plat or survey, and any power of attorney or corporate resolution.
Attach title commitment, payoff statements, and closing escrow ledger to the recorded deed copy for underwriting continuity.
Keep Word source, scanned high-resolution TIFF if required by county, and an auditable e-sign package in long-term storage.
| 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 trial | Trial available | Trial available | Trial available | Trial available |
| 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 by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |