The instrument that is used to transfer real property ownership from one owner to another is called a deed. The elements of a deed are: the names of the current owner (the grantor) and the new owner (the grantee), the legal description of the property, and the signature of the grantor. All transfers of real property must be in writing and notarized. It is recommended that the deed be recorded in the county where the property is located.
There are different ways to hold title when you buy property. Co-buyers may take title as joint tenants with right of survivorship or tenants in common.
The following deeds that are used to convey title to real property in Alaska:
A general warranty deed is used to transfer an interest in real estate in Alaska in most real estate transactions. An Alaska warranty deed conveys real property with warranty covenants to the buyer. It requires an acknowledgement of the grantor's signature.
Types of Alaska Warranty Deeds:
Transfer of property may also be done through a special or limited warranty deed or quitclaim deed.
A contract for deed, land contract or installment agreement is used when the seller agrees to finance the purchase of the property and holds title or deed as security until the buyer makes all the payments.
A quitclaim deed transfers the ownership interest of the grantor to the grantee without any warranties or guarantees regarding clear title or whether the property is free of any liens or claims. Quitclaim deeds are used to clear clouds on title and for non-sale transactions such as transfers between spouses. They are commonly used in divorce situations where one spouse is transferring their ownership interest in property to the other spouse.
A deed of trust or trust deed is similar to a mortgage. Title is transferred to a trustee, which is usually a trust or title company that holds the real property as security for the borrower's loan. At the time the loan is paid in full, title is transferred to the borrower. The only powers that the trustee has is the power of sale if the borrower defaults. The trustee can then sell the property to pay off the lender at a foreclosure sale auction.
Grant deeds transfer ownership from the grantor to the grantee. The grantor promises that title has not been transferred previously and that there are not any encumbrances, other than those stated in the deed.
A warranty deed is the most common type of deed used in most purchase and sale transactions. It offers the best protection for the grantee because it guarantees that the title is good and marketable. The grantor promises the grantee that the grantor will defend the grantee from any all claims made by third parties. The general warranty deed contains the following provisions:
When a special or limited warranty deed is used, the grantor is only warranting that there are no title defects during the time the grantor owned the property. The special or limited warranty deeds give the grantee greater protection than a quitclaim deed, and less protection than a full or general warranty deed.
Real property transfers are complicated. If you are transferring property in Alaska, you should seek the help of a lawyer.
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