From Deed to Done: Understanding Title Transfer

Blog Kristi Jenkins September 18, 2025

What Is a Title Transfer, Really?


Title transfer is the legal process that shifts property ownership from seller to buyer. The title is your legal claim. The deed proves it.
Think of it like your home’s passport—without it, you're not going anywhere.

Here’s how it works:

  • Legal ownership changes
  • Deed is signed and transferred
  • Deed is recorded with the county (this makes it official)


Pro Tip: Be sure your deed gets recorded right away. If not, someone else could swoop in with a competing claim.

Why Clear Title Matters

Would you buy a car… then find out it was stolen? That’s what buying a house with title issues is like. A clear title means:

  • No unpaid liens or back taxes
  • No family or boundary disputes
  • No mystery heirs

Title companies check all this before you close.
Pro Tip: “For Sale by Owner” and off-market homes are most likely to have title issues. Don’t skip the review.

What a Title Company Does

They’re like the referee in your deal—neutral, thorough, and essential:

  • Run title search
  • Fix issues
  • Coordinate paperwork
  • Issue title insurance

Pro Tip: Ask your agent who they trust for title work. The right company makes your life way easier.

Step-by-Step Title Transfer

  1. Signed offer
  2. Title search
  3. Clear issues (if any)
  4. Closing day: deed signed, funds transferred
  5. Deed recorded = it’s official

Pro Tip: Always get a copy of your recorded deed. It’s your proof of ownership.

Types of Deeds: A Quick Guide

  • Warranty Deed = full protection
  • Special Warranty = protects only during seller’s ownership
  • Quitclaim = no protection

Pro Tip: Never accept a quitclaim deed in a normal sale.

Title Insurance: Your Safety Net

Even with a clean search, surprises happen, old claims, forged signatures, undisclosed heirs. Title insurance protects you legally and financially.
Pro Tip: It’s a one-time cost that could save you thousands.

Your Real Estate Team

  • Agent: guides the process
  • Title Company: handles legal + paperwork
  • Attorney (some states): adds extra protection

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until closing week to ask title questions—get ahead of them.

Final Word: It’s Not Just Paperwork

 Title transfer secures your rights and protects your investment.
 Understand it, and you’ll:
 ✔️ Spot red flags early
 ✔️ Ask smarter questions
 ✔️ Sleep better knowing you're covered
💬 Ever run into a title issue? Drop your story or question below!

 

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Home Title Theft: How Washington Homeowners Can Protect Their Property

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Because Judging a Book by Its Cover Is Inevitable in Real Estate: Our Top Tips for Curb Appeal

Work With Kristi

With a 20-year total of more than $100M in sales, her experience shines through. Whether she’s working with first-time home buyers or seasoned investors in a complex deal, Kristi walks through each stage of the home sale and makes sure you feel supported and understood.