Services / Deeds
Deed Preparation
Professional deed preparation for California property owners. Grant deeds, quitclaim deeds, interspousal transfer deeds, and trust transfer deeds — prepared accurately at your direction, at a fraction of what an attorney would charge.
What We Prepare
Grant Deed
The standard California deed for transferring real property. Includes implied warranties that the grantor has not already transferred title to someone else and that the property is free from undisclosed encumbrances. Most common for sale transactions.
Quitclaim Deed
Transfers whatever interest the grantor may have in the property, without warranties. Commonly used between family members, in divorce settlements, or to clear up title issues.
Interspousal Transfer Deed
Transfers property between spouses or registered domestic partners. Qualifies for an exclusion from reassessment under Proposition 13, meaning the property tax basis typically does not change.
Trust Transfer Deed
Transfers real property into or out of a living trust. Essential for trust funding — putting real estate into the trust so it avoids probate. Also used to transfer property from a trust to beneficiaries after the trustor's death.
Preliminary Change of Ownership Report (PCOR)
Required county form filed alongside most deeds. Reports the transfer details to the County Assessor for property tax purposes.
Transfer on Death Deed
California's relatively new option to transfer residential property to a beneficiary upon death without probate, while retaining full ownership and control during life.
How It Works
Free Consultation
We discuss the property and the transfer you need. We'll help you understand which deed type matches your situation and what information we'll need to prepare it correctly.
Document Preparation
We prepare the deed with the correct legal description from the existing recorded deed, proper vesting language, and all required county-specific formatting. We also prepare the PCOR if required.
Recording Instructions
We provide clear instructions for notarization and recording with the County Recorder's office. Deeds must be notarized and recorded to be effective — we walk you through both steps.
Important: We cannot advise on tax consequences of property transfers or which deed type is appropriate for your situation. We prepare deeds based on your specific direction. Consult a tax professional, title company, or attorney for advice on the legal and tax effects of a property transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a grant deed and a quitclaim deed?+
A grant deed transfers ownership with implied warranties — the seller (grantor) promises they haven't already sold the property to someone else and the property isn't burdened by undisclosed debts or liens. A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor may have, with no warranties at all. Quitclaim deeds are most common between family members or in divorce settlements where both parties know the property's history.
Will my property taxes increase if I transfer property?+
Under Proposition 13, most property transfers trigger reassessment at current market value, which can significantly increase property taxes. However, certain transfers are exempt: interspousal transfers, transfers between parents and children (Prop 58), and transfers from grandparents to grandchildren (Prop 193), among others. We prepare the deed at your direction — consult a tax professional or the County Assessor about your specific situation.
What is a legal description and where do I find it?+
A legal description is the formal written description of a property's boundaries — it's not the street address. You can find it on your existing recorded deed, your property tax bill, or through the County Recorder's office. We use the existing recorded legal description to prepare your new deed — we don't create new legal descriptions.
How much does it cost to record a deed in California?+
Recording fees vary by county but typically range from $10-$30 for the first page plus $3 per additional page. Some counties also charge a Documentary Transfer Tax based on the property's value (typically $0.55 per $500 of value in most counties). Our document preparation fee is separate from recording fees.
Related Services
Need a Deed Prepared?
Schedule a free consultation — we'll prepare your deed accurately and provide clear recording instructions. Same-day service often available.