Chapter 7 Deeds and Legal Descriptions Deeds –Written document that transfers title to real estate

Chapter 7Deeds and Legal Descriptions

• Deeds– Written document that transfers title to real

estate


• Necessary Elements of a Deed– Designation of the parties (Grantor/Grantee)– Consideration given by grantee ($10?)– Legal description– Specific interest conveyed (Fee Simple, etc.)– Signature of the grantor and witnesses


• Additional Elements– Covenant against encumbrances (no liens

other than those of record)– Covenant of seisin (seized in fee simple)– Covenant of quiet enjoyment (no claims)– Covenant of further assurances (corrections)– Warranty forever (defend transfer forever)


• Types of Deeds (Degree of Protection)– General warranty deed (guarantee)– Special warranty deed (only during GO’s

term)• Grant deed (used in California)

– Bargain and sale deed (implied title)– Quitclaim deed (releases implied claim)– Deed for special uses (executor’s deed)


• Basic Units of Measure for Land– Distance• Feet

• Miles – 1 mile = 5,280 feet

• Meters – 1 m = 3.28 feet

• Chains – 1 chain = 66 feet or 4 rods

• Rods – 1 rod = 16.5 feet


• Basic Units of Measure for Land– Area• Acres - 1 acre = 43,560 sq.ft.

• Square Feet – Common when under 5 acres

• Hectares – 1 Ha. = 2.471 Acres or 10,000 m2


• Legal Descriptions– Metes and bounds

Distances = metes Direction or courses = bounds Point of Beginning for Defined Parcel


• Rectangular Survey System– Origin (Post-Colonial Era)

– Principal meridians (N/S) and base lines (E/W)

– Monuments (Ellicot’s Stone)

– Townships (N/S - baseline)

– Ranges (E/W - meridia)

– Sections (1 mile squared or 640 ac.)

– Subdivision of a section (1/4 sec.)

– Read backwards to find the location on a map


• References to Plats– Lot– Block– Subdivision– Plat Book Location Reference

Documents

Chapter 7 Deeds and Legal Descriptions Deeds –Written document that transfers title to real estate