Property Deed: How They Work, Filing
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Quick Facts — Property Deed Lawyers
- Avg cost to draft a Property Deed: $510.00
- Avg cost to review a Property Deed: $320.00
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- Clients helped: 561 recent property deed projects
- Avg lawyer rating: 4.86 (23 reviews)
What is a Property Deed?
A property deed is a legal document that is used in real estate transactions to transfer the title of real property from a seller to a buyer. Real property can be land, or anything attached to land, like a house or a road. A deed is necessary to show ownership of the property.
There are several different types of deeds including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and special purpose deeds. Each of these legal documents serves a different purpose.
Every time property is purchased or sold, a deed needs to accompany the transaction. To be legally valid, the deed must be signed, notarized, and filed on public record. This allows deeds to be found using a title search, and the ownership of the property can be traced back as far as it is recorded.
Understanding Property Deeds
To be legally valid, deeds must include certain information. Each state will have its own requirements for what needs to be included in a deed, but it is common to have the following information:
- Identities of the grantor (seller) and grantee (buyer) and lists their addresses.
- A detailed description of the property which should include property lines, roads, and sewer lines.
- Words of conveyance that officially grants the property to the grantee.
- Proof of consideration like the amount of money paid for the property, or language that shows that the property was gifted to the grantee.
- Signatures of both the grantor and grantee
Other information that is required will depend on the type of property being transferred. A house in a subdivision, for example, will need a description of the plot and information about the subdivision.
It is important to remember that a deed must be made in writing and both the grantor, and the grantee must be legally competent and capable of participating in the real estate transaction.
Here is an article that goes deeper into deeds.
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Types of Deeds
There are several different types of deeds that each offer different protections to the purchaser of the property in the real estate transaction. Most used are the general warranty deed, the grant deed, and the quitclaim deed.
General Warranty Deed
A general warranty deed provides the most protection to the buyer because it provides proof that the seller has the full legal title to the property with the right to sell the property. The seller is required to make legally binding promises, or covenants, and warranties to the buyer. These warranties include:
- Covenant of Seisin: Assures that the seller owns the property and can legally sell it.
- Covenant Against Encumbrances: Assures the buyer that the property is free from liens unless specifically stated in the deed.
- Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment: Guarantees that the buyer will have the right to quiet possession of the property and will not be inconvenienced by a defective title.
- Covenant of Further Assurance: Assures that the grantor will provide any documents necessary to make sure the title is legitimate.
Grant Deed
A grant deed, which can also be referred to as a limited warranty deed or a special warranty deed , gives less protection to the buyer than a general warranty deed but more than a quit claim deed. The two main warranties that a grant deed normally provides are that the seller has not sold or transferred the property to any other party, and that there are no title issues that the seller knows of for the period they have held the title to the property.
This deed will not protect the buyer from any claims that may have happened before the seller took over the title and the seller is not required to pay any legal fees arising from title claims.
Due to the lack of protection by this deed, it is normally used for the transfer of commercial property and not for the sale of home.
Quitclaim Deed
A quitclaim deed offers the least amount of protection to the buyer. Some states refer to this deed as a non-warranty deed. A quitclaim deed simply transfers the grantor’s interest in the property to the grantee without any promises or warranties that the title is valid.
If there is an issue with the title, the grantee has no legal protections. For this reason, a quitclaim deed is used specifically when the grantor is not sure if the title is defective and wants to avoid liability.
This deed is also often used when there is no money being exchanged for the property like when a parent transfers property to a child or one spouse transfers property to their partner.
Click here to keep reading about the different types of property deeds.
Does A Property Deed Prove Ownership?
A property deed is key in proving ownership of real property but does not necessarily prove ownership by itself . It shows that the seller transferred their interest in the property to a buyer. This is especially true for a general warranty deed which guarantees the new owner holds the title free and clear.
A quitclaim and grant deed also prove proof of ownership but only if there are no title issues. Without the guarantee of the warranty deed, even if a purchaser of property has a deed, someone else could have claim to the title.
Difference Between Deeds and Titles
The biggest difference between a deed and a title is that a property deed is a physical document showing ownership of a property while the title is just a concept of an owner’s rights to the property.
When you purchase a piece of property of value whether it be a house, a car, a boat, or any other real property that comes with a title, you will receive both a deed proving purchase and the title.
Read this article for further explanation of the difference between deeds and tiles.
Image via Pexels by Curtis
Finding a Property Deed
A deed is an essential part of purchasing a piece of property because the deed shows the history and ownership of the property. There are many reasons someone may need to find a property deed including:
- A person interested in buying a piece of property and wants to search for liens or potential title issues.
- Banks who require a clean deed to lend money to buyers for a mortgage.
- Someone who wants to use property for collateral needs to ensure the deed is good.
- A seller will search their own property deeds to avoid issues in the selling process.
Recording a Deed
When a deed is recorded, it becomes public record and is accessible through the clerk in the county where the property is located. Each state will have different laws and regulations pertaining to recording deeds.
By recording a deed, you are showing that real property was transferred to you. If there is ever a situation in which someone else can show ownership interest in your property, by recording your proof first you can protect your investment.
How to Search for a Deed
Many counties have online databases that make searching for deeds simple. To begin your search, you will need the property address and the name of the current or previous property owner.
A parcel identification number is the best way to search for a deed because this is the number that is assigned to a deed when it is filed.
If you are having trouble finding the property, check alternate spellings for the street name or owner’s name, and make sure you are searching in the correct database.
Get Help with A Property Deed
Do you have questions about a property deed and want to speak to an expert? Post a project today on ContractsCounsel and receive bids from real estate lawyers who specialize in property deeds.
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Meet some of our Property Deed Lawyers
Ryenne S.
My name is Ryenne Shaw and I help business owners build businesses that operate as assets instead of liabilities, increase in value over time and build wealth. My areas of expertise include corporate formation and business structure, contract law, employment/labor law, business risk and compliance and intellectual property. I also serve as outside general counsel to several businesses across various industries nationally. I spent most of my early legal career assisting C.E.O.s, General Counsel, and in-house legal counsel of both large and smaller corporations in minimizing liability, protecting business assets and maximizing profits. While working with many of these entities, I realized that smaller entities are often underserved. I saw that smaller business owners weren’t receiving the same level of legal support larger corporations relied upon to grow and sustain. I knew this was a major contributor to the ceiling that most small businesses hit before they’ve even scratched the surface of their potential. And I knew at that moment that all of this lack of knowledge and support was creating a huge wealth gap. After over ten years of legal experience, I started my law firm to provide the legal support small to mid-sized business owners and entrepreneurs need to grow and protect their brands, businesses, and assets. I have a passion for helping small to mid-sized businesses and startups grow into wealth-building assets by leveraging the same legal strategies large corporations have used for years to create real wealth. I enjoy connecting with my clients, learning about their visions and identifying ways to protect and maximize the reach, value and impact of their businesses. I am a strong legal writer with extensive litigation experience, including both federal and state (and administratively), which brings another element to every contract I prepare and the overall counsel and value I provide. Some of my recent projects include: - Negotiating & Drafting Commercial Lease Agreements - Drafting Trademark Licensing Agreements - Drafting Ambassador and Influencer Agreements - Drafting Collaboration Agreements - Drafting Service Agreements for service-providers, coaches and consultants - Drafting Master Service Agreements and SOWs - Drafting Terms of Service and Privacy Policies - Preparing policies and procedures for businesses in highly regulated industries - Drafting Employee Handbooks, Standard Operations and Procedures (SOPs) manuals, employment agreements - Creating Employer-employee infrastructure to ensure business compliance with employment and labor laws - Drafting Independent Contractor Agreements and Non-Disclosure/Non-Competition/Non-Solicitation Agreements - Conducting Federal Trademark Searches and filing trademark applications - Preparing Trademark Opinion Letters after conducting appropriate legal research - Drafting Letters of Opinion for Small Business Loans - Drafting and Responding to Cease and Desist Letters I service clients throughout the United States across a broad range of industries.
"Quick response to questions and getting the paperwork to me. Thanks!"
Sarah S.
With 20 years of transactional law experience, I have represented corporate giants like AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as mid-size and small businesses across a wide spectrum of legal needs, including business purchase agreements, entity formation, employment matters, commercial and residential real estate transactions, partnership agreements, online business terms and policy drafting, and business and corporate compliance. Recognizing the complexities of the legal landscape, I am dedicated to providing accessible and transparent legal services by offering a flat fee structure, making high-quality legal representation available to all. My extensive knowledge and commitment to client success establishes me as a trusted advisor for businesses of all sizes.
"Sarah was extremely helpful in making me contracts that I needed for wholesaling real estate. Also gave me all the licenses I needed for my business and answered all my questions on information I was unsure of in the business. Will definitely only be going to Sarah for any of my legal needs."
Robert M.
Robert is a sixth-generation Tennessean and part of a long line of Tennessee attorneys: There has been a Marks attorney in Tennessee since 1856. In 1929, Robert’s great-grandfather established an event venue, Shadowbrook, which Robert has worked at his entire life, including managing for 10 years. He knows what business owners are dealing with—especially venue owners—because he has dealt with it. While Robert loves the hospitality industry, he pursued his passion. In 2016, Robert decided to attend law school and continue managing the business. He thrived. He was a founding member of the Nashville School of Law's Legal Aid Society, received the Tennessee Supreme Court’s Law Student for Justice award, and interned with the Tennessee Supreme Court's Access to Justice Commission. Before co-founding Mercury Legal Group, Robert focused on estate planning in solo practice. In this role, he helped clients protect what they had spent a lifetime building. Now he helps his clients build their businesses by providing tailored legal services.
"Robert is so professional and yet friendly! He was very easy to work with. I explained my situation and he has immediate solutions to get everything worked out. I’m su with his work ethic and overall attentiveness to the project. He will be my new lawyer moving on."
Zachariah C.
Colorado Springs attorney and entrepreneur dedicated to democratizing access to high quality legal solutions through the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence.
"In addition to drafting the agreement that I requested, Zachariah also explained the best process for getting the agreement signed in order to make sure that it would stand up to challenge."
Randy M.
Hi, I'm Randy, and I've been practicing law for over 30 years with a genuine passion for contracts and legal drafting. I spent nearly 15 years running my own solo practice in Richmond, Virginia, where I built a thriving firm helping everyone from small business owners to entertainment professionals navigate their legal needs. Those years taught me that great contracts aren't just about covering all the bases legally - they're about understanding what my clients actually need and translating that into clear, enforceable agreements. My sweet spot is contract drafting across a wide range of areas. I've written hundreds of LLC operating agreements (both single and multi-member), prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, residential and commercial leases, independent contractor agreements, service contracts, NDAs, consulting agreements, and corporate formation documents. I also have extensive experience in estate planning documents - wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and living wills - plus employment agreements and entertainment law contracts. These days I'm based in New York City, but I work with clients nationwide on contract matters. What I love most about this work is taking complex business relationships and turning them into documents that actually make sense and protect everyone involved. Whether you're a startup founder needing your first operating agreement or an established business updating your contractor templates, I focus on creating contracts that work in the real world, not just on paper. After three decades of practice, I still get excited about a well-crafted contract. Let's talk about how I can help with yours.
"Randy was great! He took the time to review Arizona ROC codes and provide detailed recommendations on what to change or add into my contracts and delivered to me on time. 10/10 would highly recommend."
July 23, 2025
Stephen H.
In practice for over 15 years. I am passionate about results and the bottom line. Let me help your business or project today.
July 25, 2025
Shannon Y.
Attorney specializing in Family Law and Small Business Law. Georgetown and London School of Economics alum. Law Degree from UH Manoa Richardson School of Law. Small local business entrepreneur on Oahu for 10+ years.
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Browse Lawyers NowLawyer Reviews for Property Deed Projects
Void an existing quit claim deed and change the title to the original owners and make it a Transfer Upon Death.
"It was very satisfying to work with Linda Weitzman Esq.. She was very responsive and available at all times to answer questions and she got the contracts done in a timely manner."
ContractsCounsel User
Easy quit claim deed
"Allen is a thoughtful and experienced attorney and I have worked with a few. Differently in my top 10!"
ContractsCounsel User
contract/document to remove co owner’s name from our property
"Beware that his statement of “satisfaction guaranteed” is false. I contacted Dolan to facilitate a quit claim deed for a jointly owned property with a brief statement stating that one party would be taking financial responsibility as two people would remain on the properties mortgage. I am new to my area and don’t know any lawyers so I went online to read reviews and chose contract counsel. I have no background in real estate law, but was told by the register of deeds to fill out a quitclaim deed form and to get a lawyer. Dolan assured me that he could do the job for $600. Within 15 minutes he sent over what appeared to be a canned document, partly containing language that didn’t pertain to my situation and told me that I could edit it and fill in all of the details myself. When I asked if this was the quitclaim deed, he explained that was something that I had to do myself. When I contacted the register of deeds in my county, they said that a lawyer should take care of it. Dolan insisted that he couldn’t do the quitclaim for me and said that if I filled out the form he could look it over. I asked to be refunded half of the payment because he had spent 15 minutes working on my case, and I still didn’t have the issue I came to him for resolved. I finally found a local lawyer to verify the information because I was worried about not having this done properly. The lawyer stated that a quitclaim deed requires having a new deed drafted, signed notorized and filed. He offered to do it all for $350. I again asked for half of my money back and Dolan essentially told me that the lawyer I spoke to was just trying to scare me and get my business and that he did what he could at the price I paid. So he basically took $600 to send me something I could have printed off the internet and I ended up paying almost $1000 for something that should have cost $350. Save yourself the money, and contact a local lawyer. There is also no protection on this website and they will automatically charge your payment when the lawyer says the job is done."
ContractsCounsel User
Real Estate
Property Deed
Texas
How long is a quitclaim deed good for?
Not sure if I am asking the question the right way. We've been asked to file a quitclaim deed.
Melissa L.
A quit claim deed is like a warranty deed for a permanent transfer of ownership to a property after the applicable consideration of payment.
Real Estate
Property Deed
California
Please my client daughter write me about her properties , how can I reply her back, because her father said I should give her the properties when she's get married
Please my client daughter write me about her properties , how can I reply her back, because her father said I should give her the properties when she's get married
Donya G.
Can you please reenter your question as I don't understand it. Thanks
Real Estate
Property Deed
Texas
How to get my home equity after foreclosure
My home got foreclosed for 120 thousand and it's worth 250 thousand
Jerome L.
If your Texas home sold for more than what you owed, you may be entitled to what is called surplus or excess funds. These funds are held by the county or trustee after foreclosure. To claim them, you must file a petition for release of surplus funds with proof of ownership and sale details. An attorney can help confirm eligibility and make sure you recover the full amount before others claim it.
Real Estate
Property Deed
South Dakota
We want to transfer land to our children but we want to still get the income and pay taxes until we die what kind of deed is this
We have three children the attorney made it a warranty deed to transfer our land to them but we still want to have the rent and pay the taxes what kind of deed should this be
T. Phillip B.
Depending on the land and business, I'd consider making an LLC for asset protection reasons. Then you could have a trust as the member. If you need to get the property out of your estate, this will dictate what to do with the trust.
Real Estate
Property Deed
Tennessee
Can a grantor of a filed quit claim deed sell a home without the grantees signature, or consent?
Parent signed quit claim deed over to son and it has been filed. Parent is now threatening to sell property and not give any proceeds to son who is grantee on quit claim deed. Is this even possible, legally?
Forest H.
The quick answer is likely no. If someone has executed and filed a quitclaim deed, they have no interest left to sell. Any buyer is going to review title to the property and not accept deed from the parent.
Quick, user friendly and one of the better ways I've come across to get ahold of lawyers willing to take new clients.
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Need to remove a person's name from a house deed.
Location: Texas
Turnaround: Less than a week
Service: Drafting
Doc Type: Property Deed
Number of Bids: 2
Bid Range: $300 - $750
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