Grantor/Grantee
Full legal names and entity types (individual, trust, LLC) matching government ID or formation documents; discrepancies can delay recording or trigger title challenges.
Accurate filings protect the new owner’s title, determine tax liability and proration, and preserve priority against later claims. The electronic or paper record becomes the public evidence of ownership and affects mortgages, homestead exemptions, and future closings. ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA provide legal frameworks that permit electronic execution for most transfers, but recording and notarization rules remain governed by state law.
Choose the preparer based on complexity: simple owner-to-owner transfers may be handled by title or owners; transfers with tax or estate implications often require counsel.
Title companies prepare deed forms, verify legal descriptions, confirm lien payoff amounts, and typically submit the notarized document for recording. They manage reconciliation with escrow closing statements and ensure recording instruments meet county formatting and index requirements.
The grantor/grantee signs to transfer or accept title; owners must supply accurate legal names, government ID for notarization, and supporting documents such as trust certifications or letters testamentary when the transfer is not a straightforward sale.
Full legal names and entity types (individual, trust, LLC) matching government ID or formation documents; discrepancies can delay recording or trigger title challenges.
Parcel legal description or lot-block reference from the deed or plat; a correct legal description is required for accurate indexing by the county recorder and for title search continuity.
Amount or statement of consideration (sale price, gift, nominal consideration) used for transfer tax reporting and to show the nature of the transfer in the deed language.
Signed notary block or RON acknowledgment that meets state standards; many counties require a specific acknowledgment wording for recording.
All required signatures with printed names and dates; initials are rarely sufficient for conveyance documents unless specified in the form.
Trust certification, letters testamentary, marital status affidavits, or power of attorney documentation when signing authority is delegated or ownership is non-individual.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Required for each signer; enable date stamp |
| Notary Block | Place notary acknowledgement; mark read-only |
| Signer Order | Grantor signs before grantee when required |
| Authentication | Use email plus SMS or stronger KBA as needed |
Confirm the vendor supports notarization workflows your state accepts (in-person or RON), and that the signed PDF contains an unbroken audit trail for recording and title insurance purposes.
Record immediately after closing to preserve priority.
File with county or state as required; deadlines vary by jurisdiction.
Provide recorded deed to insurer within common 30-day window.
Confirm lender receives reconveyance or release documents.
Apply proration per closing statement and local tax year rules.
Signer presents government ID and meets vendor proofing.
In-person signing or live audio-video required for RON.
Add witnesses when state or document requires them.
Notary completes acknowledgement or jurat with seal.
Retain A/V session per state retention rules when used.
Ensure signatures are on final recorded copy.
Pay recording fee and submit per local requirements.
Provide recorded copy to parties and title insurer.
Tim Martin, Founder, Martin Properties: I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security.
Brian Fitzgibbons, COO, Optica Ventures LLC: The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers.
| 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 | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | 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 |