A Missouri special warranty deed is used to transfer real estate ownership while guaranteeing that the transferor (the grantor) has the right to convey the property. A special warranty also ensures that the grantor has no liens, mortgages, leases, or other claims on the property. However, the grantor makes no promises regarding any encumbrances that may be unresolved from prior owners. Therefore, the recipient (the grantee) should verify the property title to avoid potential liability.
The title transfer is completed once the deed has been signed by the grantor, notarized, and filed with the recorder of deeds. If the property is located in St. Louis, the grantee will also be required to execute the deed for it to be valid.
- 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: In most counties: $24 for the first page and $3 per page for any additional pages (navigate to the recorder of deeds website to look up exact rates).