A deed can look intimidating, full of legal phrasing and stamps, but once you know what each part means, it is straightforward. Here is how to read a deed and understand what every section is telling you.
The parties: grantor and grantee
Every deed names two sides. The grantor is the person transferring the property (the seller or current owner). The grantee is the person receiving it (the buyer or new owner). If you are trying to find the current owner, it is the grantee on the most recent recorded deed.
The type of deed
The deed will state what kind it is, and that matters, because different deeds offer different protection. A warranty deed guarantees clear title; a quitclaim deed transfers only whatever interest the grantor has, with no guarantees. We break this down in quitclaim deed vs warranty deed in New York.
The consideration
This is the amount paid for the property. Sometimes you will see a nominal figure like $10 instead of the real price, which is common and legal, see why do people put $10 on a deed?
The legal description and BBL
Rather than just an address, a deed includes a legal description of the property, often metes and bounds or a lot reference, plus the Borough, Block, and Lot (BBL) in New York City. This is what precisely identifies the parcel.
Signatures, notarization, and recording
A valid deed is signed by the grantor and notarized. Once it is recorded, the city stamps it with recording information, the date, and a document ID. That recording is what makes the transfer part of the public chain of title, and it is searchable on ACRIS.
Have a deed to sign or record? We notarize and file it with ACRIS for you.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if a deed was recorded?
Search the property on ACRIS. If it is recorded, it appears in the document list with a recording date and document ID.
Who keeps the original deed?
The owner does, though the recorded image is always available. See who keeps the original deed to a house?
Do both spouses need to be on the deed?
Not necessarily, it depends how you take title. How names are added or removed is covered in how to transfer a deed in NYC.
This article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. For questions about title or a specific deed, consult a real estate attorney.
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