Deed Requirements
Deeds must be signed by the grantor, notarized, and filed with the County Recorder’s Office.[1] The document must be formatted as follows before recording:
- 3″ top margin on first page, 0.75″ margins on all other sides
- 8pt for pre-printed text, 10pt for inputted text
- White paper, 20 lb weight
- Black or blue ink for signatures[2]
Deed of Trust or Mortgage
Under Iowa statutes, both deeds of trust and mortgages can be used to secure real estate loans. However, unlike in some other states that allow deeds of trust, Iowa does not recognize “power of sale” clauses as valid. Instead, if a default occurs, the parties must agree to a voluntary nonjudicial foreclosure if they seek to avoid court proceedings.[3]