Updated April 12, 2024
A Pennsylvania deed is a form used to transfer the ownership of real estate from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee). It is a simple one (1) or two (2) page form that simply states a set price, always in US dollars, that is known as the ‘Consideration’, the names of the parties, and the description of the property. All deeds are to be signed in front of a Notary Public (just the grantor) and the grantee is to also sign the Certificate of Residency. Afterward, the deed may be filed with the Recorder’s Office in the jurisdiction of the property.
Certificate of Residency – This Form (PDF or Microsoft Word) is required to be completed and notarized by the Grantee(s), also known as theChecklist – Use This Form as a guide to make sure that you have all the necessary forms and details to file the deed with the Office of the Recorders.
Laws – Title 21, Chapter 1 – Deeds and General Provisions
Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value (Form REV-183 EX) – Must be attached to the Deed.
Recording – All deeds are to be filed with County Recorder’s Office (See County List). There is usually a fee associated with the filing so it is best to call the respective office or bring a blank check.[1]
Signing – Although a grantor’s signature must not be witnessed for the deed to be effective, county recorder offices in Pennsylvania often reject a deed for recording if said deed does not include a formal acknowledgment by a notary public.[1][2]
Deed Types (3)
General Warranty – Guarantees ownership to the grantee and verifies that there are no defects with any transfer between past owners.
Download: PDF, MS Word, Open Document
Quit Claim – Comes with the least amount of security and only guarantees the transfer of the ownership rights of the previous owner.
Download: PDF, MS Word, Open Document
Special Warranty – Provides some sort of guarantee that is limited and outlined specifically. It is not as vulnerable as the quit claim but also not as secure as the general warranty.
Download: PDF, MS Word, Open Document
Pennsylvania Property Search (4 steps)
The purpose of performing a lookup of real estate is to obtain the necessary information required to write a legal description for the property. The State of Pennsylvania requires that the Uniform Parcel Identifier be entered.
Step 1
Conduct a property search in the State of Pennsylvania by going to this online public records database and selecting the county where the real estate is located.
Step 2
After clicking on the respective county link (using Lycoming as our example) it will give you options on how to lookup the property (See Below).
- For Lycoming County the best link would be to click on the Go to Data Online in the 2nd row next to Recorder of Deeds
Step 3
On the Pennsylvania Land Records page you will be able to either input the name of the Grantor (owner) or the Book or Document number. Afterwards you can also enter advanced details and then click the ‘Search’ button on the bottom of the page.
Step 4
Afterwards, you will be re-directed to the matching listings where the information can be viewed by clicking on the Owner’s Name.
