An Iowa special warranty deed is a real estate document that transfers a property title from one party to another with a limited guarantee that the title is clear. By executing this deed, the transferor (grantor) promises that they have the right to sell the property, that they have not encumbered the title, and that they will defend the recipient (grantee) from any claims arising from their ownership period. However, the special warranty doesn’t cover any prior owners.
If there are any unresolved liens, easements, mineral rights, and other claims dating prior to the grantor’s ownership, they will be transferred to the grantee along with the title.
- Statute: Chapter 558 – Conveyances
- Formatting: §§ 331.606B
- Signing Requirements (§ 558.20): Notary Public
- Where to Record: County Recording Office
- Recording Fees (Iowa Land Records, §§ 331.507(2)(a), 428A.1): First page – $7. Each additional page – $5.
- Forms:
- Declaration of Value: The buyer, seller, or agent in the property transaction must complete this form unless the conveyance is exempt under statute § 428A.2 (see instructions).
- Groundwater Hazard Statement: The grantor is required to fill out this form and file it with the deed.
- Property Disclosure Statement (§ 558A.2 & § 558A.4): Real estate sellers must complete this form, attach the Radon Fact Sheet, and give both documents to potential buyers before accepting an offer.