Updated April 10, 2024
An Iowa deed form is used to convey real property or real estate from a grantor (seller) to a grantor (buyer). There are different deeds for different purposes. A warranty deed provides a guarantee to the buyer that the seller has clear title to the property. A quitclaim provides no guarantee. In every case, however, it is recommended that a thorough property search, also known as a title search, be completed before the transaction is consummated. Once deeds are signed and notarized, they must be filed with the recorder in the county in which the property is located.
Laws – Title XIV (Property), Chapter 558. Conveyances
Recording – All Deeds must be filed along with Groundwater Hazard Statement & Declaration of Value at the County Recording Office in the property’s jurisdiction (See County List).[1]
Signing – A deed must be acknowledged by a notary public in the State of Iowa.[2]
Deed Types (3)
General Warranty – A general warranty deed is used to convey property with a guarantee from the seller running to the buyer. The seller guarantees that he or she has clear title to the property.
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Quit Claim – A quit claim provides no guarantee from the seller that they have a clean title or even any interest in the property.
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Special Warranty – A special warranty provides a guarantee to the buyer that the seller has not allowed the property to be encumbered since the time that the grantor owned the property.
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Iowa Property Search (4 steps)
A property search is necessary for the buyer to complete if he or she wants to ensure that he or she knows what exactly is being bought. This is a way to go back for a period of fifty years to see all of the times transfers of interest were recorded for the property. In order to conduct a search, you should have the name of the grantor. You can always go to the county recorders office to do a search or many states offer online searches. Iowa has a statewide search procedure that requires you to set up an account:
Step 1
Go to Iowa Land Records website.
Step 2
Click on “Become a Registered User” and you will be brought to a terms and conditions page.
Step 3
Read the notices and conditions and check the boxes indicating you understand the terms and then fill in the numbers shown at the bottom and hit “submit”. You will then be brought to a page where you enter your information and click “submit”.
Step 4
Once you create your account, you will be able to choose a county and search by your grantor’s name and begin a title search of the subject property.