Deed Preparation

Preparing and recording Deeds requires knowledge, experience, and abilities. Our deed preparation services are designed to assist people throughout Maryland with the preparation and recording of Deeds. Whether it’s adding or removing a name from the title, selling the property, gifting the property, creating a life estate, inheriting the property or filing a confirmatory or corrective Deed, we can help.

Our standard fee of $395 includes (a) client consultation, (b) obtaining and reviewing the existing Deed, (c) reviewing the tax account and SDAT records, (d) preparing a new Deed and related documents, and (e) processing the new Deed for recording. Typically, there is another $95-$155.00 in government and courier fees to complete the recordation of the Deed.

What is a Deed?

A deed is a written instrument which transfers title to real property from one person or entity to another. The person or entity transferring title is known as the “grantor”, and the person or entity receiving the title is known as the “grantee”. A deed must be in writing and must be signed by the “grantor”. To be effective against third persons and subsequent purchasers, the deed must be recorded in the land records of the county in which the property lies.

The deed must contain, at minimum, an identification of the grantor and grantee, consideration (usually the amount of money paid) and a legal description of the real estate. It may refer to the real estate by lot number as shown on a recorded plat or by a lengthy metes and bounds description prepared by a surveyor. A new survey usually is not required prior to every transfer of real estate, unless there is a discrepancy or there are special circumstances. Many states have special requirements in order to record a deed, such as, the payment or recording fees, the payment of all outstanding taxes and assessments, applicable transfer taxes must be paid, and certain specific information must be provided.

Types of Deeds

A general warranty deed is a type of deed where the “grantor” (seller) guarantees that he or she holds clear title to a piece of real estate and has a right to sell it to the “grantee” (buyer). The guarantee is not limited to the time the grantor owned the property, rather it extends back to the property’s origins.

A special warranty deed is a type of deed where the “grantor” (seller) guarantees that he or she holds clear title to a piece of real estate and has a right to sell it to the “grantee” (buyer). The guarantee is limited to the time the grantor owned the property.

A quitclaim deed is a conveyance by which the grantor transfers whatever interest he or she has in the real estate without warranties or obligations.

A life estate deed is a type of deed in which an interest in real property is limited in duration to the lifetime of the grantor or some other designated person and upon the death of that person, the real property automatically passes to another person.

A personal representative’s deed is executed by the person appointed to administer the estate of a deceased person to transfer an interest in real property. The probate court may approve any sale, transfer, or distribution of property by the personal representative.

A confirmatory or corrective deed is a conveyance made to correct a mistake or discrepancy in a prior deed.