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Nominee Agreement to Hold Title to Real Property

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Nominee Agreement to Hold Title to Real Property

This Agreement was made on the day of , 20 ,

between of ,
referred to herein as the Nominee, and of ,
referred to herein as the Owner.

Whereas Owner is the sole beneficial owner of the land described in Exhibit A to this Agreement, including all buildings and other fixed improvements thereon and all interests therein and rights appurtenant thereto; and

Whereas it has been agreed between Nominee and Owner, at the request of Owner and as a matter of convenience, that for the time being the said land will be registered in the name of Nominee and that Nominee shall hold, as nominee for Owner on the terms and subject to the conditions hereinafter set forth, the said land and all related rights and interests (including without limitation those under agreements and other documents such as mortgages, charges, easements, leases, licenses and by-laws) that Owner may from time to time assign to Nominee (such land and related rights and interest are collectively called the Real Property), Nominee having itself no beneficial interest in the Real Property;

Now, therefore, for and in consideration of the mutual covenants contained in this agreement, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows:

I. Nominee hereby acknowledges, declares, covenants and agrees that:

A. Nominee will hold, as and from the date hereof, the Real Property, and all right, title and interest therein and benefit to be derived therefrom, as nominee for and on behalf of the Owner.

B. Nominee otherwise has no legal or beneficial interest in the Real Property; and

C. All other attributes of the beneficial ownership of the Real Property shall be and remain in Owner.

II. Nominee covenants and agrees, subject to the indemnity hereinafter provided, that it shall at all times and from time to time deal with the Real Property as nominee for Owner only in accordance with the written or verbal instructions and directions of Owner and not otherwise; and that it will do no act relating to the Real Property without the express authorization and direction of Owner, and that it has no active or independent duties to perform in respect of the Real Property except as may be specifically provided for herein.

III. Nominee shall enter into, and execute and deliver as nominee for Owner only, all such Instruments, including, without limitation, all such documents, assignments, deeds, transfers, leases, subleases, assignments and surrenders of leases, mortgages, charges, hypothecs, servitudes, easements, licenses, privileges, management contracts, personal property security contracts and other agreements, collectively called the Instruments, as may from time to time be requested by Owner in connection with the Real Property, including without limiting the generality of the foregoing a conveyance and transfer in registrable and/or other form(s) of all right, title and interest of Nominee in the Real Property.

IV. Nominee acknowledges, declares, covenants and agrees that all rents, profits, emoluments and other receipts and revenues of any nature or kind arising from the Real Property or the use thereof shall belong legally and beneficially to Owner, and that Nominee has no legal or beneficial interest in such rents, profits, emoluments and other receipts and revenues. Nominee shall, subject to the rights of any mortgagee or other secured creditor, promptly remit to Owner all rents, profits, emoluments and other receipt and revenues of any nature or kind arising from the Real Property, which may be received by Nominee as nominal party to any instrument. Nominee shall incur no liability to any person for making any such remittance as directed in any notice from any such mortgagee or other secured creditor, or, in the absence of such notice, pursuant to a direction from Owner. Nominee shall, at the request and expense of Owner, account to Owner for all sums received with respect to the Real Property.

V. Nominee shall promptly deliver to Owner all Instruments with respect to the Real Property, together with all recording information relative thereto, to the extent that Nominee may come into possession of any thereof.

VI. Nominee shall promptly transmit to Owner copies of all notices, claims, demands or other communications, which Nominee may receive and which relate in any way to the Real Property. Nominee, upon the request of Owner, shall be a nominal party to any action in response to or as a consequence of any such matter. Any such action, proceeding, negotiation or other response shall be conducted by Owner, with counsel selected by him, and Nominee shall not, nor shall it be obligated to, take any such action itself, its only obligation being that of a nominal party thereto subject to the indemnity hereinafter provided.

VII. Owner acknowledges, declares, covenants and agrees that he shall be responsible for all encumbrances, charges, costs, expenses, losses, damages, claims, demands and liabilities in any way connected with or related to the Real Property, collectively called the Expenses, that Nominee has no active duties to perform in connection with the Real Property, and that all obligations (including any mortgage obligations), responsibilities, acts or omissions pertaining to the Real Property shall be the responsibility of and shall be performed or omitted to be performed by Owner.

VIII. Owner hereby releases Nominee from any and all liability that Nominee may incur in respect of any action taken by Nominee either pursuant to the authorization or direction of Owner or pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. Owner shall indemnify and hold Nominee harmless from all liabilities of whatsoever kind and character that may arise out of any act or omission by Nominee pursuant to the terms of this Agreement and from the said Expenses, obligations and responsibilities during the entire period of time that the Real Property is vested in Nominee pursuant to this Agreement.

IX. It is understood and agreed between the parties hereto that the relationship between them shall be that of principal and bare nominee only, that there is no intention to create a relationship of partnership, or agency between Owner and Nominee, and that this Agreement should not be construed to create any trust, association or joint venture between Owner and Nominee.

X. Each of the parties hereto covenants that it will from time to time as may be deemed necessary and requisite do all such acts and effect such further and other assurances as may be reasonable necessary or desirable to effect and carry out the true intent and purpose of this Agreement.

XI. This is the entirety of the Agreement. No changes can be made except in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of .

XII. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.

WITNESS our signatures as of the day and date first above stated.

By:

By:

(Acknowledgement before Notary Public)

Exhibit A

Enter text✕

What the Nominee Agreement to Hold Title to Real Property Is

The Nominee Agreement to Hold Title to Real Property is a legal contract where an owner (beneficial owner) appoints a nominee party to hold legal title to real property on the owner's behalf. It allocates rights, duties, and limited authority between the beneficial owner and the nominee, and specifies effective date, duration, consideration, and instructions for title transfer. Typical uses include privacy, estate planning, and simplifying closings where the beneficial owner prefers not to appear on public title records. The agreement does not alter beneficial ownership unless explicitly stated and may require notarization under state law.

Why parties use a Nominee Agreement

A Nominee Agreement clarifies legal title versus beneficial ownership, preserves privacy, and can streamline transactions or financing. It reduces public exposure of owners while documenting authority and limits for nominee actions under state property and tax laws.

Why parties use a Nominee Agreement

Who commonly executes and benefits from this agreement

Individuals and entities use Nominee Agreements when beneficial owners want title held by a representative for privacy, estate planning, or transaction convenience.

  • Real estate investors who prefer anonymity in public records and streamlined closing logistics.
  • Trustees or estate executors managing title while preserving beneficiaries' beneficial interests and tax positions.
  • Companies using nominee entities to separate management responsibilities from ownership in complex ownership structures.

Use professional advice when ownership, mortgage obligations, tax reporting, or third-party consents could affect enforceability.

Key roles and responsibilities

Beneficial Owner

The person or entity that retains equitable ownership and the economic benefits of the property. They instruct the nominee, receive rent and tax consequences, and remain responsible for conveyance decisions; accurate identification ties to tax reporting and potential mortgage lender requirements.

Nominee (Title Holder)

An individual or entity named to hold legal title for administrative or privacy reasons. The nominee's powers are strictly defined by the agreement; duties typically include executing conveyances per instruction, maintaining title records, and not exercising beneficial rights absent express authorization.

Essential information required in the agreement

Parties' Legal Names: Full legal names as on IDs.
Addresses: Street, city, state, ZIP.
Property Legal Description: Recorded legal description requires accuracy.
Consideration: Specific monetary amount or exchange.
Effective Date: MM/DD/YYYY format; start of obligations.
Notary Acknowledgement: State-required notarization or RON details.

Step-by-step: completing the Nominee Agreement

Step-by-step: complete parties, property, authority, notary, recording, and distribution instructions to finalize the Nominee Agreement.

  • 01
    Identify Parties: Enter full legal names and organizational details.
  • 02
    Describe Property: Provide recorded legal description and parcel ID.
  • 03
    Set Authority: Specify nominee powers, limits, and indemnities.
  • 04
    Sign & Notarize: All signatures dated and notarized or RON as required.

How to configure an online signing workflow

Configure an online workflow to collect signatures, attach exhibits, and route post-execution documents to stakeholders.

Field Configuration
Signature Field Require signer email and optional SMS code.
Notary Field Enable RON or prepare printable acknowledgement.
Conditional Clauses Show indemnity only when nominee has transfer power.
Final Copies Auto-send PDF and audit trail to parties.

Where to file, send, or submit executed copies

Where to file and send the executed Nominee Agreement depends on recording, lender, and party distribution requirements.

  • Recorder's Office: File deed or memorandum where property is located.
  • Lender: Provide lender with agreement and required consents.
  • Title Company: Deliver executed copies for clean title insurance issuance.
  • Beneficial Owner: Retain original and forward certified copies to owners.

Digital signing and technical requirements

Digital signing options, authentication levels, and integrations affect how you collect enforceable signatures and distribute records for the Nominee Agreement.

  • eSignature Type: Simple e-signature with audit trail.
  • Advanced Authentication: SMS, email, or KBA options.
  • Integrations: Connectors: NetSuite, Salesforce, Google Workspace.

Key deadlines and timing considerations

Key dates: signing, notarization, lender approval, recording, and tax reporting deadlines tied to the Nominee Agreement.

Signing Date:

Date parties execute the agreement (MM/DD/YYYY).

Notarization Deadline:

Complete notarization before recording; state rules vary.

Lender Consent:

Obtain written lender approval prior to conveyance when required.

Recording Window:

Record deed promptly to ensure priority in public records.

Tax Reporting:

Update ownership records for tax filings and 1099s as needed.

Milestones from draft to recorded title

Sequential milestones show the typical lifecycle from negotiation to recorded title and post-closing retention for the Nominee Agreement.

01

Negotiation & Drafting

Define scope, nominee powers, and consideration in draft agreement.

02

Execution & Notarization

All parties sign and notary acknowledgement completed or RON session held.

03

Lender & Title Review

Obtain consents and title company clearance before recording.

04

Recording & Distribution

Record deed, file certified copies, and update ownership records.

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Using vague language about the nominee's authority without limits, which can lead to disputes over conveyance powers and unintended transfers.
  • Failing to obtain lender consent when property subject to mortgage, potentially breaching loan covenants and triggering acceleration clauses.
  • Not including express indemnity or limitation of liability provisions for nominee actions, exposing nominators to unexpected claims.
  • Omitting precise legal description or county records references, leading to recording rejection or title ambiguity during searches.

Potential penalties and risks from incorrect or incomplete agreements

Tax Consequences: Unreported beneficial ownership can trigger tax audits.
Mortgage Violation: Lender consent may be required.
Title Challenges: Third parties may dispute ownership.
Fraud Allegations: Improper nominee use risks fraud claims.
Notary Noncompliance: Improper notarization can void signatures.
Contract Invalidity: Ambiguous terms may render agreement unenforceable.

Real-world scenarios illustrating common uses

Common scenarios illustrate when a Nominee Agreement simplifies title handling, protects privacy, and supports streamlined closings for owners and nominees.

Investor Privacy

An investor purchases rental property through a holding company and directs a nominee to bear legal title for confidentiality.

  • Nominee signs closing documents per owner instructions.
  • The nominee records deed in its name but the investor retains rental income, tax obligations, and decision-making authority through the underlying beneficial-interest agreement; lenders and title companies still require disclosure and may request additional documentation.

Estate Planning

A homeowner uses a nominee to hold title while the family trust preserves beneficial ownership and succession planning.

  • Nominee follows trustee directions for transfers.
  • This structure can reduce probate exposure and public record visibility, but counsel must coordinate trust provisions, deed language, and tax reporting to avoid unintended gift or transfer tax consequences and ensure enforceability.

Comparing eSignature vendors for this agreement — signNow first

Vendor pricing and feature snapshot for executing Nominee Agreements. Use these items to compare starting cost, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail, envelope limits, and HIPAA support.

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 Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
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

Frequently asked questions about the Nominee Agreement

Practical answers to common execution, recording, and enforceability questions for Nominee Agreements, including notarization and lender concerns.


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