The General Warranty Deed is a deed containing a covenant whereby the seller (Grantor) agrees to protect the buyer(Grantee) against being dispossessed because of any adverse claim against the land, it is an instrument by which the buyer obtains title to the property being sold.

The Deed of Trust is a conveyance of land title by a maker of a note (the debtor) to a third party, a trustee, as collateral security for the payment of the note with the condition that the trustee shall reconvey the title to the debtor upon payment of the note, and with power in the trustee to sell the land and pay the note in the event of a default on the part of the debtor. It is a lien on the property to insure payment of the money due to the lender.

WHAT IF I HAVE LOST THE DEED TO MY PROPERTY?

Once a deed has been recorded in the Recorder of Deeds office, it becomes public information and at any time a copy can be retrieved for any reason. A certified copy can be made and will suffice for an original having been signed and sealed by the Recorder. Individuals may do research in the Recorder's office to look up their deeds, the index is computerized since 1987 and oldest records are in index books back to the early 1900's.

The Recorder of Deeds office does not include a deed or lien search service, we are only responsible for recording instruments that meet necessary requirements. If you wish to search the records yourself, we will be glad to assist.

CAN I MAKE MY OWN DEED?

Yes, you can, but the Recorder always recommends the retention of an attorney or title company for this important process. The Recorders office is a recording agency and is prohibited by state law from making out deeds or answering those questions which pertain to legal matters. The office does have printed, blank document forms for the patrons use.

WHEN I LEAVE MY DEED WITH THE RECORDERS OFFICE WHAT DO I GET BACK AND WHEN?

There are a number of functions that take place when a document is recorded. It must be checked for errors,dated,time stamped,numbered, indexed and filmed. After all the processes are completed the documents are returned to the patron by mail, picked up individually or by title companies by whom the deeds were recorded. As a result,the amount of time required to complete the process varies as to the volume of work but usually the instruments are returned within 5 to 10 days.