A Missouri deed is a legal instrument that transfers an interest in real property from a grantor (the person selling or giving property) to a grantee (the recipient of property). Deeds are most common in sales transactions whereby a seller releases ownership of their real estate to a buyer with certain warranties as to the quality of the property’s title. A general warranty deed includes total title protection, while a special warranty deed only guarantees a clear title from the grantor’s ownership (previous owners aren’t covered).
Deeds must be signed, notarized, and delivered to the county Recorder of Deeds office for recording. Once on file, the public may access the report to see when the instrument was recorded, the current owner(s), and other pertinent property information.
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Types (7)
Beneficiary Deed – Transfers an interest in property to a beneficiary designated by the grantor, taking effect only upon the grantor’s death.
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Deed of Trust – Used when a purchaser takes out a loan to acquire property. A deed of trust transfers the property’s title to a neutral party who will hold onto the title rights until the loan is repaid.
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General Warranty Deed – Protects the purchaser with a warranty covering title defects and any ownership disputes brought upon the property by third parties.
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Personal Representative Deed – Completed by a personal representative (a.k.a., executor or administrator) to transfer property pursuant to the terms of a decedent’s will.
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Quit Claim Deed – Releases the grantor’s ownership rights without providing any guarantees or promises to the grantee.
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Special Warranty Deed – Guarantees that no title defects exist from the time the grantor owned the property, but provides no guarantees regarding what may have occurred before the grantor’s ownership.
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Trustee Deed – Used by a trustee to transfer ownership of property held in a Missouri living trust.
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Laws & Requirements
- Statutes: Title XXIX, Ch. 442 (Titles and Conveyance of Real Estate)
- Formatting: § 59.310
- Signing Requirements (§ 442.130): Notary Public
- Where to Record: Recorder of Deeds
- Recording Fees: Around $21-$24 for the first page + $3 for each additional page
- Some counties have different ordinances concerning recording fees; individuals should contact the Recorder of Deeds to determine the applicable fees for their county.