Deeds: How to Prepare a Real Estate Deed
If you are transferring ownership of a piece of property that you sold into another name, you must prepare a need deed that shows the buyer as the property's owner. For a legal transfer, the purchaser must record the new deed with the local Recorder of Deed's office. This office maintains the land registry for the county. While you can hire a real estate agent or lawyer to prepare a deed, you can write your deed yourself, as well.
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Instructions
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Determine the type of deed you require. If you are transferring your stake in a property without guaranteeing that you own the property outright, use a quitclaim deed. Sellers of property typically use a warranty or grant deed to guarantee that there are no claims on the property and that the seller is within his legal rights to sell and transfer full ownership to the purchaser.
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Research the laws of the state to determine if there is any state-specific language, which you must include. Download a blank deed from your state's website, if one is available, to ensure that your deed meets the requirements for your state.
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Fill in the blanks on the deed with your name and the purchaser's name. Include the property description as it is written on the previous deed. If you have the most recent deed, you can use the description on it, or you can locate the deed at the Recorder's office and copy it from there.
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Sign and date the deed in front of a notary public and give the purchaser the deed. The deed is valid as soon as you give it to the new property owner.
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Tips & Warnings
In community property states, your spouse must sign the deed.
The new property owner must pay a fee to record the deed. The cost depends on the location where he is recording the deed.
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