what lawyer would you use to clear up a warrany deed

by Rupert Dickens III 7 min read

Full Answer

Do you need a closing attorney to get a warranty deed?

If you’re buying or selling a home and it’s determined that a warranty deed is needed to complete the sale, the process for getting one may depend on where you live. Your real estate agentor closing attorney may be able to help with drafting this document or you might use an online software program to do it yourself.

Who is involved in the sale of a warranty deed?

The seller and the buyer are involved, both of whom can be either an individual or a business. The seller uses the warranty deed to prove to the buyer that they have the right to sell the property. As a homebuyer, a warranty deed is the gold standard.

How do I get a special warranty deed for my house?

You can find the right form to use by searching online for "special warranty deed" and your state's name. If you want help in creating a special warranty deed or any other type of deed, you can use an online services provider to help ensure that everything is completed and filed properly.

What happens if there is a problem with a warranty deed?

If a home sale is finalized and problems with the title arise after the fact, the buyer can hold the seller responsible for any financial losses. This usually means filing a lawsuit to prove there was a violation of the warranty deed terms. There are certain things that need to be disclosed when a warranty deed is created.

Which type of deed is used to clear up title defects?

Quitclaim DeedsQuitclaim Deeds A quitclaim deed is also used to cure a title defect, such as a misspelled name on the deed. The quitclaim deed is also used when the grantor's title is not clear.

Who benefits the most from a warranty deed?

A general warranty deed is the most beneficial for the home buyer because it provides the greatest amount of protection. It's a guarantee from the current owners (also referred to as grantors) that they have full ownership of the property and have disclosed all encumbrances, liens, easements and judgments.

How much does a warranty deed cost in Texas?

$195general Warranty Deed prepared for $195 There is no fee for your call.

What is another name for a warranty deed?

A warranty deed, also known as a general warranty deed, is a legal real estate document between the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee).

Which is more important title or deed?

Which is more important: title or deed? Both the title and the deed are of equal importance because they both have a purpose in the home selling process. For instance, a title search can note only confirm who owns the property, but also lists any liens, loans, or property taxes due.

Which type deed would an attorney most likely use to clear a cloud on the title?

Quitclaim deeds are used to cure clouds on title. Unlike warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds do not convey after-acquired title and they do not contain any warranties.

Can I prepare my own warranty deed in Texas?

As a property owner and grantor, you can obtain a warranty deed for the transfer of real estate through a local realtor's office, or with an online search for a template. To make the form legally binding, you must sign it in front of a notary public.

Can I notarize a warranty deed in Texas?

Yes. In almost all cases, signatures on a General Warranty Deed require acknowledgment before a Notary Public or other officer authorized to perform acknowledgments.

How do I remove someone from a deed in Texas?

A person cannot be passively removed from a deed. If the person is still living, you may ask them to remove themselves by signing a quitclaim, which is common after a divorce. The individual who signs and files a quitclaim is asking to have their name removed from the property deed.

What are the five covenants of a general warranty deed?

They are (1) covenant for seisin; (2) covenant of the right to convey; (3) covenant against encumbrances; (4) covenant for QUIET ENJOYMENT; (5) covenant of general WARRANTY; and (6) covenant for further assurances.

What happens after a quit claim deed is recorded?

Once the quitclaim deed is signed by the grantor and accepted by the grantee, it's considered legal and effective. However, some counties in the U.S. require that the grantee sign as well – again, at your local office.

How long is a quitclaim deed good for?

Does a Quitclaim Deed Expire? A quitclaim deed does not expire because it permanently transfers ownership from one party to another. That being said, the new deed must be filed with the county clerk's office to record the official transfer. If the new deed is not recorded, it can create legal and financial challenges.

What is a general warranty deed?

A General Warranty deed is used in most real estate deed transfers, as it provides the greatest protection of any deed. It is also known as a Grant Deed in some states.

What happens if a property is not clear?

The grantor not only guarantees he received a clear title from the previous owner of the property, but also that no other individuals, past or present, retain an interest in the property . If title is later discovered to not be clear (also known as "defective" title or has a "cloud" on it), then the grantor may be liable to ...

What happens if a general warranty is broken?

If these promises (called "covenants") are broken, the person making the promises can be liable.

Who does warranty deed protect?

As mentioned, warranty deeds protect the buyer more than the seller. With that in mind, there are different scenarios in which a buyer may have reason to dispute a warranty deed’s terms.

Who owns the property on a warranty deed?

But generally, a warranty deed should specify: Who owns the property currently (also referred to as the grantor) The name of the person buying the home (also referred to as the grantee) A description of the property that’s being transferred.

How does a warranty deed work?

How Warranty Deeds Work. A warranty deed is essentially a tool for protecting the buyer when purchasing a home. Warranty deeds may be required as part of the underwriting process when financing a home purchase with a mortgage. You may also need one when purchasing title insurance for the property.

Why do you need a warranty deed?

Warranty deeds are used to verify that there are no obstacles, such as outstanding liens, that could block the transfer of a property from the seller to the buyer. If you’re buying a home from someone you don’t know or selling a home, it’s important to understand how warranty deeds work and when they’re used.

What does it mean to sign a warranty deed?

This usually means filing a lawsuit to prove there was a violation of the warranty deed terms.

What is a defective deed?

Deed documents are defective or faulty. An unrecorded deed or lien is later discovered. Title disputes can also occur if someone else lays claim to the property later. For example, say you buy a home from someone who offers a warranty deed. You buy the home, assuming there are no property claims.

Do you need a warranty deed to buy a house?

When a warranty deed is needed, it’s important to follow state laws to the letter when drafting one. This can help with avoiding issues down the line that could otherwise cloud your enjoyment of your new home.

Who is involved in a warranty deed?

The two parties involved in a warranty deed are the seller or owner, also known as the grantor, and the buyer or the grantee. Either party can be an individual or a business, and are often strangers to each other. There are different types of deeds such as the warranty deed, special warranty deed, and the quitclaim deed.

What is warranty deed?

A deed is an important legal document that transfers property from one entity to another—often in the case of a real estate deal. A general warranty deed provides the buyer with the highest form of protection. Warranty deeds are often put in place when a buyer is trying to get financing for a mortgage or title insurance.

What is a deed pledge?

The deed pledges or warrants that the owner owns the property free and clear of any outstanding liens, mortgages, or other encumbrances. The grantor is responsible for a breach of any warranties and guarantees, therefore placing a great amount of risk upon the grantor.

What does a grantor warrant?

The grantor warrants that they the rightful owner of the property and has a legal right to transfer the title. The grantor warrants that the property is free and clear of all liens and that there are no outstanding claims on the property from a creditor using it as collateral.

Why do you need title insurance on a deed?

For this reason, title insurance is used in most transactions to guard against possible claims and liens.

What is a deed in a real estate transaction?

All deeds contain the date of the transaction, the names of the parties involved, a description of the property being transferred, and the signatures of the buyer. Deeds may need to be signed in the presence of a witness and/or notary. The grantor is the rightful property owner and has a legal right to transfer title.

When is a quitclaim deed drawn up?

And unlike the warranty deed, a quitclaim deed is drawn up when a property is transferred without a sale. So it may be used, for instance, when a property is transferred between family members. Quitclaim deeds offer less protection than a warranty deed.

What is a warranty deed?

What Is a General Warranty Deed? A general warranty deed is a property deed that guarantees a seller has a clear title to the real estate property and has a right to sell it. The deed is a title commonly used to show ownership of a property.

Does a deed guarantee a title?

This means that the deed does not guarantee the title is free of defects that may have been incurred prior to the seller acquiring the property. Thus, the new owner is not guaranteed a clear title and may have to resolve any disputes that arise from possessing a potentially unclear title.

Cheryl Rivera Smith

I have seen lawyers charge as low as $100 to prepare a deed. You want it done right. After it is signed by the Grantor (and notarized) it is filed of record in the office of the county clerk where the house is located. Filing fee is usually around $20. Ex won't het his name removed from the loan unless it is paid off or re-financed.

Kendall Shane Cockrell

A deed is a legal document. I recommend getting a legal professional to draft it. Most general practice lawyers should be able to prepare the deed for you.

Gary T. MacInnis

If the divorce decree awarded the house to you, ex-husband should sign the deed so title to the house can be put in your name only. A lawyer should prepare the deed, and then see that it is recorded. It is a relatively inexpensive procedure, but it is very important that it be done correctly.

What is the purpose of a warranty deed?

The purpose of a warranty deed is to protect the buyer when purchasing real property. A warranty deed is also usually required to secure financing or title insurance for the purchase of a property.

What is a quitclaim deed?

A quitclaim deed is similar to a warranty deed in that it transfers ownership of a property, however, it offers the least amount of protection to the buyer. Some states refer to this deed as a non-warranty deed.

Who is the founder of Emerald Law?

Founder and Managing partner of Emerald Law, PLLC, a business law firm specializing in contract drafting and corporate transactions. Kiel worked as in house counsel for a variety of companies before launching his own firm, and most recently served as the Chief Legal Officer for an international private equity firm.

How does a warranty deed work?

How Warranty Deeds Work. Warranty deeds provide the purchaser of the property with the highest form of protection, and are often used when a buyer wants to get financing for a mortgage or title insurance.

What is warranty deed?

A warranty deed, also known as a general warranty deed, is a legal real estate document between the seller (grantor) and the buyer (grantee). The deed protects the buyer by pledging that the seller holds clear title to the property and there are no encumbrances, outstanding liens, or mortgages against it.

Why is a warranty deed important?

Buying a house is a huge financial decision, so it’s important that certain precautions are taken to ensure your protection. A warranty deed is one precaution home buyers should be aware of, as it provides the greatest amount of protection to the buyer.

What is required on warranty deeds?

All warranty deeds must include the date of the transaction, name of the parties involved, a description of the property being transferred, and the signatures of the buyers. To make it legally binding, warranty deeds must be signed in the presence of a notary public.

When is warranty deed required?

Warranty deeds may also be required when applying for a mortgage and when title insurance is used. This differs from the quitclaim deed because title insurance is not needed for this type of deed. A quitclaim deed is used when a property is transferred without a sale, for example, from one family member to another.

Who is the grantor of a property?

The grantor is the rightful owner of the property and has the legal right to transfer the title. The property is free and clear of all liens and outstanding claims. The title would withstand third-party claims to ownership of the property. The grantor will do anything to ensure the grantee’s title to the property.

Can a buyer sue a seller for a warranty deed?

If title problems arise after signing a warranty deed, the buyer can sue the seller as they’re legally responsible for any breach of warranty or guarantee. It’s also important to point out that there are two types of warranty deeds that offer different levels of protection to the buyer and risk to the seller.

What is a special warranty deed?

A special warranty deed is a legal document that transfers ownership of real property from one person to another. This particular type of deed guarantees that there are no defects or problems with the title during the seller's ownership period, ...

What information is required on a special warranty deed?

Any type of deed has to contain the following information to be legal: Name and address of the person conveying the property, also known as the grantor. Name and address of the person receiving the property, also known as the grantee.

What is a quitclaim deed?

A quitclaim deed conveys only what the grantor owns and makes no promises that there are no other claims against the property, either during or before the grantor's ownership. A general warranty deed promises there are no title defects at all, during any time period.

What happens when a bank forecloses on a property?

The bank forecloses on the property and then sells it to a new buyer. The special warranty deed that the bank provides to the new buyer provides no protection for the period of time before the bank took ownership of the property.

How to protect yourself as a buyer?

The best way to protect yourself as a buyer is to buy title insurance when you purchase the property. The title insurance company will research the title to ensure it is clear and then provide insurance so that you have protection should there ever be an old claim that is brought against your title. A special warranty deed provides the buyer ...

Who is the legal owner of a property?

The grantor is the legal owner of the property and has the legal right to transfer the property. There are no outstanding claims against the property by any creditor or anyone else that were instituted during the grantor 's ownership period. The grantor guarantees he or she has clear title only during his or her period of ownership and, ...

What is a legal description of a property?

Legal description of the property (which could be a description of property lines or a lot number), which you can find on the previous deed. Statement that the grantor intends to convey the property to the grantee. To qualify as a special warranty deed, it must also say that:

What to do before transferring a warranty deed?

So, before transferring a general warranty deed, the owner has to resolve all mortgages, tax liens, judgment liens and other relevant debts and encumbrances. If you are transferring property under a general warranty or similar deed, it’s wise to seek professional assistance.

What is warranty deed?

The general warranty deed promises that no unmentioned lienholders exist who might have claims to the property; it means the owner is free to sell the home . Warranty deeds are used in “arm’s length” transactions — between people who don’t know each other apart from the real estate deal.

What is a quitclaim deed?

Quitclaim deeds are cost-effective tools for transferring interests in real property when there is no need for researched guarantees. Always consider potential tax implications before you decide to transfer real estate, including tax on the deed transfer itself.

What is the correct language for a conveyance?

The correct language, including words of conveyance, must appear: a statement from the grantor conveying the interest to the grantee, and the amount of consideration. The consideration is the value exchanged for the deed. If the grantee pays, the payment amount is included.

How to get a copy of a deed to a house?

Retrieve your original deed. If you’ve misplaced your original deed, get a certified copy from the recorder of deeds in the county where the property is located. You’ll need to know the full name on the deed, the year the home was last bought, and its address. Expect to pay a fee for a copy of the deed.

Who signs a deed in Florida?

For an example, in Florida a grantor must sign the deed before a notary and two witnesses — who also sign in the notary’s presence. As you can see, a state and the counties will have specific requirements for the deed, which can include formatting, return addresses, the name of the deed preparer, and so forth. Step 5.

Do I need to sign a deed before a notary?

Sign the deed before a notary. As the grantor, you’ll need to sign the deed with a notary public, who will change a small fee. In some states the grantee may not need to sign, but the deed must be delivered to the grantee, and the grantee must accept the deed, or it’s not valid.