Homepage Free Deed Form Legal Deed Form for the State of California

California Deed Sample

California Grant Deed Template

This Grant Deed is made as of this ___ day of __________, 20___, by and between:

Name of Grantor: ________________________________

Address of Grantor: ________________________________

City, State, Zip: ________________________________

and

Name of Grantee: ________________________________

Address of Grantee: ________________________________

City, State, Zip: ________________________________

WITNESSETH, that in consideration of the sum of $____________, the Grantor hereby conveys to the Grantee the following described real property in the County of __________, State of California:

Legal Description of Property:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

This conveyance is made subject to the following:

  • Any and all covenants, conditions, restrictions, and easements of record.
  • Taxes and assessments, if any, levied against the property.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Grantor has executed this Grant Deed as of the day and year first above written.

Grantor's Signature: ________________________________

Grantor's Printed Name: ________________________________

STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ________________

On this ___ day of __________, 20___, before me, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared ________________________________, known to me to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument, and acknowledged that they executed the same.

WITNESS my hand and official seal.

Notary Public Signature: ________________________________

Notary Public Printed Name: ________________________________

My Commission Expires: ________________________________

Instructions on Utilizing California Deed

Once you have the California Deed form in hand, you will need to fill it out carefully to ensure that all necessary information is included. After completing the form, you will typically need to have it notarized and then file it with the appropriate county recorder's office. Following these steps will help you navigate the process smoothly.

  1. Begin by writing the date at the top of the form.
  2. Identify the grantor, or the person transferring the property. Include their full name and address.
  3. Next, provide the name and address of the grantee, or the person receiving the property.
  4. Clearly describe the property being transferred. Include the address and any relevant legal description.
  5. State the consideration, which is the amount paid for the property, or indicate if it is a gift.
  6. Include any additional terms or conditions related to the transfer, if necessary.
  7. Sign the form where indicated. The grantor must sign in front of a notary public.
  8. Have the document notarized. The notary will verify the identity of the grantor and witness the signing.
  9. Make copies of the completed and notarized form for your records.
  10. Submit the original deed to the county recorder's office in the county where the property is located.

Misconceptions

Understanding the California Deed form can be tricky. Here are ten common misconceptions about it:

  1. All deeds are the same. Different types of deeds serve different purposes. For example, a grant deed and a quitclaim deed have different legal implications.
  2. Only lawyers can prepare a deed. While lawyers can help, many people prepare deeds themselves, as long as they follow the correct format and regulations.
  3. A deed must be notarized to be valid. Notarization is not always necessary, but it is highly recommended to ensure the deed's acceptance by the county recorder.
  4. Once a deed is signed, it cannot be changed. Deeds can be amended or revoked, but the process requires specific steps and may involve additional paperwork.
  5. All deeds need to be recorded. While recording a deed is important for public notice, it is not a legal requirement for the deed to be valid.
  6. A deed transfers ownership immediately. Ownership transfer happens when the deed is delivered to the buyer, but there may be additional steps involved.
  7. You can use any paper for a deed. Deeds must be on specific types of paper and meet certain formatting requirements to be legally valid.
  8. Deeds only apply to real estate. While deeds are primarily used for real property, they can also be used for certain types of personal property.
  9. All deeds are permanent. Deeds can be challenged in court, and ownership can be disputed under certain circumstances.
  10. Filling out a deed is simple and quick. Although the form may seem straightforward, it requires careful attention to detail to avoid mistakes that could complicate ownership transfer.

Documents used along the form

When preparing to execute a property transfer in California, several other forms and documents are often used alongside the California Deed form. Each of these documents serves a specific purpose and helps ensure a smooth transaction.

  • Grant Deed: This document transfers ownership of real property and guarantees that the seller has not transferred the same property to anyone else.
  • Quitclaim Deed: A quitclaim deed transfers any interest the grantor has in the property without making any guarantees about the title.
  • Title Report: This report provides information about the property’s title, including any liens or encumbrances that may affect ownership.
  • Durable Power of Attorney: The All Washington Forms include the Durable Power of Attorney form, which is crucial for allowing a trusted person to make decisions regarding financial and healthcare matters when necessary.
  • Preliminary Change of Ownership Report: This form must be filed with the county assessor when a property changes hands to help determine property taxes.
  • Property Tax Statement: This document outlines the current property taxes owed and any exemptions that may apply.
  • Affidavit of Death: Used when transferring property after the owner's death, this affidavit confirms the death and can help facilitate the transfer of ownership.
  • Escrow Instructions: These are detailed instructions provided to the escrow company outlining the terms of the transaction and the responsibilities of each party.
  • Bill of Sale: This document may be used to transfer personal property associated with the real estate transaction, such as appliances or furniture.
  • Loan Documents: If financing is involved, various loan documents will be necessary to finalize the mortgage agreement and secure the property.

Understanding these documents can help streamline the property transfer process. Each plays a vital role in ensuring that the transaction is legally sound and that all parties are protected throughout the process.