Alabama
Title Turn Time: 48 hours
Attorney State: No
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax applies in the state of Alabama, please contact our office for the amounts. Mortgage Tax is $0.15 per 100.00. Deed Transfer tax is $0.50 per $500.00 and must be payable to the Probate Judge.
Survey: No survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
First Page: 3 ½” top margin; right hand 5” (reserved for recorder stamp); All other margins 1”
All other pages: 1” margin all sides Paper size: 8½” x 11” min – 8½ x 14” max.
Print: Typed or Computer generated / Blank Ink /10 point font.
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible.
Prepared By Statement: “This Document Prepared By:” is required which must state the Individual’s name, firm and address of the firm. AL Code Section 35-4-110.
Return To name and address is allowed in top margin, left side only.
Instruments pertaining to a Grantor/Grantee must have addresses of both listed on the document.
All names must be printed under signatures
Marital status of all individuals required on deeds and mortgages.
Alaska
Title Turn Time: 3-7 Days depending property location.
Attorney State: NO
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margins” 2” top Margin and 1” on all remaining sides. If the 2” top margin is not there, may add a coversheet to correct this and is included in the page count.
All other pages: 1” Margin all sides. See special Recording fees below if this is not met.
Paper size: not larger than 8 ½” x 14”
Print: Typed of Computer generated / Black Ink / 10 Point Font
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible.
Title: Must clearly indicate type o f document (i.e. Subordination Agreement is not sufficient, must be Subordination of Mortgage, etc…)
Must have Return To name and address
All names must be printed or typed under all signatures, including the notary.
Recording District and Judicial
Arizona
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Vantage Point must Fund: Yes, Vantage Point must perform full disbursement due to state Escrow License requirements.
Marital State: Arizona is considered a Community Property State. The spouse must sign the mortgage unless they divest their marital interest in the property via a Disclaimer Deed.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margins” 2” top Margin and ½” on all remaining sides.
All other pages: ½” Margin all sides.
Paper size: not larger than 8 ½” x 14”
Print: Typed of Computer generated / Black Ink / 10 Point Font – No Exceptions!!! Font Size requirement MUST be met.
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible – No Exceptions!!! Requirement MUST be met.
The following counties will accept clarity copies to resolve this issue: Cochise, Mohave, Pima, Pinal & Yavapai. The clarity pages must state “For Clarity Purposes”.
Must have Return To name and address.
All names must be printed or typed under all signatures, including the notary.
All affidavits are filed as separate documents.
Arkansas
Title Turn Time: 24-72 hours.
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign.
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Deed Tax: Deed transfer tax is $3.30 per $1,000.00
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margins 2 ½” Margin on top right and ½” on all remaining sides. If document is only one page, leave 2 ½” margin at the bottom for recording certificate.
All other pages: ½” margins for all sides.
Last page: 2 ½” margin at the bottom for recording certificate.
Paper size: not larger than 8 ½” x 11”. Anything larger is considered Non-Standard which incurs additional recording fees (see Special Recording Fees). Paper weight must be at least 20# White.
Must contain the following information (AR Code title 14, Subtitle 2, Chapter 15, Subchapter 4 § 14-15-402)
- Title of the Document
- Name of Grantor and Grantee; when applicable
- Be acknowledged in accordable with § 16-47-207
- Be legible i.e Photographically reproducible
Print: Typed of Computer generated / Black Ink / 10 Point Font
Return To must have name and address.
Prepared By info must appear on 1st page of all instruments in this format “This Instrument
Prepared By [name], [address]”.
All names must be printed or typed under all signatures including the notary.
California
Title Turn Time: Southern counties 24-48 hours. Northern counties 5-10 days depending on area.
Attorney State: NO
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Marital State: Community Property state. Both the husband and wife must execute the Deed of Trust of their Community Property, consisting of that acquired by either party during their marriage. However, Real Property owned by or claimed by either person before marriage or thereafter acquired by gift, devise or descent is the separate property of the husband or wife, as the case may be. If the vested party acquired title as a married person and since divorced, the marital status should be vested as unmarried man/woman.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Executed Deed of Trust
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Deed: Transfer tax is $0.55 per $500.00
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
First page Requirements:
Top margin 2 1/2” and 5” from the right side is for the recorder stamp.
1/2” on all remaining sides.
Paper size must be 8 1/2” x 11” or the document is considered Non-Standard. (See special recording fees below).
Title of the document must be clearly indicated immediately below the top margin.
Recording Requested By statement must be stated on the upper left corner in the 2” top margin of the first page and must state the name of the person or firm that is requesting the document.
Return To statement must be stated on the upper left corner in the 2” top margin of the first page below the Recording Requested By statement.
A cover page may be added if these first page requirements are not met.
All remaining pages must have a clear 1/2” margin on all sides.
Black ink type, 10 point font. Document must be legible for reproduction (ANSI or AIIM standard).
If a document does not comply with this requirement, some counties will accept a “Clarity Copy”. This clarity copy must be the full document and is included in the page count for recording fees.
Legal Descriptions that are attached must be labeled as “Exhibit A” and must be referenced that as said exhibit within the body of the document.
Colorado
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: The non-titled spouse is only required to sign the Deed of Trust if there is a recorded declared homestead.
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Deed: Transfer tax of $0.01 per $100.00 over $500.00
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margins 1” top Margin and ½” on all remaining sides.
All other pages: 1” top Margin and ½” on all remaining sides.
Paper size: not larger than 8 ½” x 14”.
Print: Typed of Computer generated / Black Ink / 10 Point Font.
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible.
Must have Return To name and address. Prepared By info is not required.
All names must be printed or typed under all signatures, including the notary.
Connecticut
Title Turn Time: 48-72 hours.
Attorney State: YES, for Search and Commitment
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Marital State: No, Spouse isn’t required to sign the documents.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- Attorney disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Deed: Transfer tax is charged as follows: municipal tax: 0.0025 or 0.0050 times consideration of $2000.00 or more // State tax: 0.005 to 0.01 times consideration of $2000.00 or more depending on property type.
Survey: Survey affidavit is required.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margins ¾” on all sides.
All other pages: ¾” on all sides.
Paper size: not larger than 8 ½” x 14”
Print: Typed of Computer generated / Black Ink / 10 Point Font
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible.
Must have Return To name and address. Prepared By info is not required.
All names must be printed or typed under all signatures, including the notary.
All documents are recorded in the Township the property is located in.
All documents MUST have two witnesses. The notary may act as one of the witnesses, but must sign as a witness.
If “AKA”, “FKA” or “who acquired title as” verbiage is used on any document, the borrower sign and be notarized with each name that is listed.
Any Document that has “a Nominee for lender” on it will be charged 1st pg. recording fee of $159.00 instead of the standard $53.00. The additional $5.00 per additional page is added to this $159.00.
When dealing with property that the legal description references two towns, typically the documents must be recorded in each town.
If the property is a Condo and the legal description references two different towns, the recordable documents need to be recorded in both towns. This is because the condo unit owner also owns an interest in the common elements.
If the property is a PUD (Planned Unit Development), and the legal description referenced two different towns, we need to find out from our vendor if the specific unit we are dealing with is located in both towns. If it is, then we must record documents with each town. If it is not, then we only need to record in the town that the specific property is located in. This is because the PUD Association owns the common elements, not the owner of the individual unit.
Delaware
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: YES, for Escrow
Vantage Point must Fund: Yes, the Delaware attorney must perform the full disbursement and closing. No Exceptions!
Marital State: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Vantage Point disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Deed: There is a conveyance transfer tax ( *2% State Realty Transfer Tax; 1% County or local municipality tax. The total tax is split evenly between the state and the county, city or town. The county tax only applies to land located in unincorporated areas).
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
Requires the Tax Parcel Number to be shown on the upper third of the first page of the mortgage.
The “Prepared By” statement preceded by the words: “Prepared BY” must also be shown on the upper third of the first page. You may use the left side of one and one fourth inch top margin for this statement and for Tax Parcel Number mentioned above.
Florida
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours.
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable. Documentary Stamp tax is $0.35 per $100.00 and the Intangible tax is $0.20 per $100.00 on the amount financed.
Deed: Documentary Stamp tax for deeds is $0.70 per $100.00 ( Dade County $0.60 per $100.00)
Survey: Survey is required for purchases only. The affidavit is acceptable for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
All documents must have a prepared by individual and address.
Document requires 3” x 3” area in upper right of 1 st page for recording information.
All other pages: 1 ½” x 3” space on the top right corner of all subsequent pages.
All signatures require printed names underneath.
According to FS 695.26(1)(c) if there are witnesses signing a document then the signatures must have a printed name underneath.
Address must be typed or printed legibly under the borrower(s) signature.
Documents may have not a driver license number or social security number listed or it will be rejected.
Georgia
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: YES, for Escrow
Vantage Point must Fund: Yes, Attorney must fund.
Marital State: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax of $1.50 per $500.00 for loans with maturity date greater than 3years.
Deed: Transfer tax fees are $1.00 per $1,000.00
Survey: No survey required. Just have the survey affidavit completed.
Recording Requirements:
3” Clear Top Margin is required since July 1st 1998 pursuant to OCGA 15-6-61(a)(10). If the top margin is not sufficient, a cover page may be attached. As long as the “Return To” does not extend beyond 3” from the left side of the top 3” of the first page we are ok.
Document recording fees must be issued as a separate check from any Mortgage or Transfer taxes being paid.
All executed documents to be recorded must have an “Unofficial Witness” per person / per signing. This CANNOT be the Notary, UNLESS there are TWO people signing the document specifically as a witness per person / per signing. If this is a split signing, there must be an “Unofficial Witness” at each signing or the document will be rejected.
The “Unofficial Witness” requirement is required regardless of where the document was executed. See the Acknowledgment Section below for more detailed information.
Idaho
Title Turn Time: 2-5 Days depending on area.
Attorney State: NO
Vantage Point must Fund: Yes.
Marital State:
Yes – as to community property consisting of that real estate acquired by either party during the marriage.
No – as to real estate owned (that is not Homestead Property) or claimed by either before marriage, or thereafter acquired by gift, devise or descent, which is the sole and separate property of the husband or wife, as the case may be.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Signed HUD/CD
- Executed Deed of Trust
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs signed.
- Must have legible copy of identification for each borrower.
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Survey: Survey affidavit is required.
Recording Requirements: None of importance
Illinois
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Marital State: Yes
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Deed: Transfer Tax does apply please contact us for details.
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margins 3” x 5” top right corner and 1/2” on all remaining sides.
All other pages: 1/2” Margin all sides.
Paper size: not larger than 8 ½” x 11”.
Print: Type is black ink only. Faxed copies not acceptable.
Can still record if the above requirements are not met. (See Special Recording Fees below).
Tax Parcel number must be on first page of document.
Prepare By statement must be on 1st page and include the Name and Address of the individual person preparing the document (55 ILCS 5/3-5022).
Indiana
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: No
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: Survey is only required for purchases. Survey affidavit can be used for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
First and last page Margins: 2” top and bottom and 1/2” on all remaining sides.
All other pages: 1/2” Margin all sides.
Print: At least 10 Point font size. Pay close attention to all Riders, Legal Description, etc… as these pages may need to be re-typed to comply.
Documents must be legible to reproduce.
Parcel ID Number must be on every document (DeKalb, Elkhart and Lake Counties require the full 18 digit number).
Black Ink required for all text, print, and handwritten information, except for signatures, which may be in blue ink.
Preparer By statement must be at the conclusion of the document and must include the individual person’s name. (Per Statute I.C. 36-2-11-15&16)
An Affirmation Statement must be on every document after the Prepared By statement and is required to be signed and dated. The exact wording is “I affirm, under the penalties for perjury, that I have taken reasonable care to redact each Social Security Number in this document, unless required by law”. (Per Statute I.C. 36-2-11-15). Only a licensed individual may sign this.
Names must be typed or printed under ever signature, including the notary. All signatures must match how the names are printed throughout the document. If not, the entire document must be A/K/A’ed.
All Legal Descriptions must contain the Section Township and Range OR Subdivision Name and
Lot number.
Iowa
Title Turn Time: 24-72 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Deed: Transfer tax is charged at $0.80 per $500.00 after the first $500.00
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margin 3” top Margin first page and 3/4” on all remaining sides.
All other pages: 3/4” Margin all sides.
Print: At least 10 Point Font
First page format must include the following items starting below the 3” top margin:
- Title of Document
- Name, Address, & Phone Number of individual person that prepared the document.
- Name & Address of the person responsible for paying property taxes.
- Return Address
- All Grantor and Grantee names
- Legal description OR the location within the document
- Parcel Identification Number
If the first page of the document does not comply with the format requirements stated above, a Cover sheet may be used.
Kansas
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes,
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is being phased out in the state of Kansas please contact us for amounts or if applicable.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
First page Margin 3” top Margin first page and 1” on all remaining sides.
All other pages: 1” Margin all sides.
Print: At least 9 Point font.
If first page margins are not met, you may use a Coversheet and is included in the page count.
All signatures must have the name printed underneath.
Kentucky
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable.
Deed: Transfer tax fees are $0.50 per $500.00
Survey: Survey is required for purchases. The survey affidavit is used for refinances
Recording Requirements:
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible.
Parcel number must be on all documents.
“Prepared By” statement must be on all documents and include the individual preparer’s name, address and signature must be on document. Note: “Drafted By” is not acceptable. (KRS 382.335).
All Deeds and Mortgages must have derivation clause. If a deed is being recorded prior to the mortgage, the mortgage derivation clause must reference the new deed.
Louisiana
Title Turn Time: 24-72 hours
Attorney State: For the search only. The attorney provides a certification of the search.
Marital State: Community property state. Both husband and wife must execute the Deed of Trust of their community property, consisting of that acquired be either party during their marriage. However, real property owned by or claimed by either person before marriage or thereafter acquired by gift, devise or descent is the separate property of the husband or wife, as the case may be.
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in some counties of Louisiana please contact us for amounts and locations.
Deed: Transfer tax is only charged in the city of New Orleans at $325.00
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Margins for all pages: 2” Margin at the top and 1” margin on all remaining sides.
Paper size must be 8.5” x 14” or non-standard fees apply.
Font size shall be no smaller than 8 point font. Faxes copies are not accepted.
Marital Status of the Grantor/Grantee/Borrower must be stated on all docs.
2 Witnesses are required on every document. State Statues do NOT allow the notary to act as one of these witnesses.
Names of all parties must be printed under signatures. This includes witnesses and notary.
Must send a full copy of each document submitted for recording. Louisiana retains the original. (Each parish has an additional fee for certifying the copy).
Maine
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: No
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Deed: Transfer tax varies by county please contact our office for details.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Legibility standard: Photographically reproducible.
Faxes Copies are not acceptable.
Corrective documents – all document types: Must have a reference to the document that is being corrected and must state what correction is being made.
Maryland
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: NO
Vantage Point must Fund: Yes, Vantage Point Title must perform the full disbursement on the file due to licensing requirements.
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- State required affidavits
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is applicable in the state of Maryland please contact us for amounts.
Deed: Transfer tax is applicable in the state of Maryland please contact us for amounts.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Note: There are many recording requirements for Maryland please make sure to contact our offices for further information.
There are no specific Font or Margin requirements. Only requirement is that the document is legible for reproduction.
All documents must contain a “Certificate of Preparation” statement that must have a live signature if the document is to be recorded in Land Records.
All counties require an Intake Sheet to be submitted for documents being recorded. (See Recording Requirements folder for this form).
Any Deed of Trust that is executed using a Power of Attorney must have the following verbiage, either i or ii stated, typed on the Refinance Affidavit just before the signatures pursuant to Article 12-108(g)(4), which says that a statement under paragraph 3 of this subsection must be made by an agent of the original mortgagor.
- (i) is based in a diligent inquiry made by the agent with respect to the facts set forth in the statement
- (ii) is trust to the best knowledge, information, and belief of the agent.
Any document that is to be recorded that requires Transfer and/or Recordation Taxes to be paid must be sent to the Treasurer or Department of Finance First. (See Special County Requirements).
NOTE: Several counties in Maryland have their own forms and special requirements.
Massachusetts
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: YES, Search and Escrow
Attorney must Fund: Yes, The attorney must close and fund the file.
Marital State: YES
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- Must have legible copy of identification for each borrower.
Mortgage Tax: Not applicable
Deed: Transfer tax fees are $2.28 per $500.00 except in Barnstable, Duke and Nantucket which require additional county stamp tax or land bank fees.
Survey: Survey is only required for a purchase. The survey affidavit is needed for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
All documents must have a 3” x 3” clear space in the upper right corner of the document for “Recording Information”.
Font size must be at least 10 point font.
All documents must have the property address stated on the first page.
All documents that must have a legal description must include a derivation clause that includes the book and page, not the instrument number. If the property is Registered Land, the Title number must be included. You can obtain this from the Land Court.
MUST BE VERY CAREFUL TO DETERMINE IF THE PROPERTY IS IN LAND COURT, REGULAR LAND RECORDS, OR BOTH. Recording fees must be collected for each recording.
If the document is over a year old, it is not acceptable for recording. It must be Re-executed.
All documents are submitted to the correct Registry based on the township the property is located in.
Registered Land:
All documents must be submitted with the Certificate of Title number stated in the legal description and must also be submitted with a copy of the document being recorded with a written request to have that copy time stamped with recording index information of the original.
If a document is being executed by Trustees on behalf of a Trust and the documents are recorded in Registered Land, there must be a “Trustee’s Certificate” that is completed and recorded as a separate document.
Michigan
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable.
Deed: Transfer tax fees are $8.60 per $1000.00 statewide and include state recording tax
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
All documents must have a clear 2 1/2” top margin. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 3 & MCLA 565.201 Sec 1(f)).
All other page margins are 1/2”. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 3 & MCLA 565.201 Sec 1 (f)).
The first text / writing on the document immediately below the top margin on the first page must be the title of the instrument. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 3 & MCLA 565.201 Sec 1 (f)).
Documents containing more than 1 recordable event (or title) are not recordable. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 1 – 3).
Font size must be at least 10 point font and must be legible. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 3 & MCLA 565.201 Sec 1 (f)).
“Prepared By” or “Drafted By” statement must be on all documents and include the individual preparer’s name, address. (MCLA 565.201A).
Marital status is required on all documents (MCLA 565.221)
All names must be printed or typed under each signature including the notary. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 1-A, C).
Only signatures are allowed in Blue Ink.
All signatures must be vested, signed and notarized the same. If an AKA is used, the borrowers must sign and be notarized with that A/K/A’ed name. (MCLA 565.201 Sec 1-A, B, & C).
Legal Descriptions must include the City, Township or Village and the County and state the property is located in.
If the legal description is not typed within the document, it must be located at the end of the main document and before any riders and attachments.
Recording any Certified Copies of documents required that a Cover Page is created with the title of the document and a Return To address. (i.e. Death Certificate, Probate papers, etc…) NOTE: BENZIE COUNTY WILL NOT ACCEPT A COVER PAGE, SUBMIT WITHOUT ONE.
Minnesota
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes, Spouse must sign if the property is the marital residence.
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Mortgage tax is $0.0024 time’s consideration in Hennepin County and $0.0023 in all others.
Deed: State deed tax is $0.0034 time’s consideration in Hennepin and $0.0033 in all others.
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Must have clear 3” BLANK top margin on first page, all other margins must be at least 1/2”.
Title of document must be prominently stated just below the 3” top margin of the first page.
“Drafted By” statement must contain the company name and address of the preparer. This statement must be at the conclusion of the main document.
“Return To” stamp should be on the first page below the 3” top margin.
Can attach an “Administrative” page to correct first page margin issues. This “Administrative” page must contain the following items: Title of Document, Document date and Grantor and Grantee names (if applicable).
Font size must be at least 8 point font and legible for reproduction.
The signing party’s name and marital status must be stated on the first page and also in the acknowledgment pursuant to MN Statutes 358.14. If the signing parties are married to each other, the acknowledgment must recite in a manner that indicates they are married to each other. (i.e. “husband and wife”, “spouse of name of spouse”, or “married to each other”, etc…) Names must be consistent thru the entire document.
Does not allow any strikeouts or use of whiteout / correction tape. If this is done, the document is not recordable and must be redrafted and printed. This includes Names of any of the parties to the document (eg.. borrower, lender, grantor, grantee, trustee).
All counties require that any document being recorded that has a name change, only allows “who acquired title as” or “formerly known as” verbiage. The following verbiage is NOT acceptable and will result in rejections: “Also known as” or “Now known as”. Some counties require the person changing the name to sign only with their current legal name. The counties that require that will not accept signing with both names.
TORRENS PROPERTY:
Will only accept “Formerly Known As” when doing a name change. No other variations allowed.
An example of the proper way to list this is:
- “Jane Smith, a married woman, formerly known as, Jane Porter”
A Certified copy of the marriage certificate or Divorce Decree / Name Change Order must be recorded and is recorded as a separate document.
The proper way to list listing married individuals with their non-title spouse and marital status is:
- “Bob Smith, a married man, herein joined by his wife, Jane Smith, a married woman”
Mississippi
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Must have a BLANK 3” Top Margin, all other margins and pages must have 3/4” margin. (MS Code Section 89-5-24 1f).
The following information must be on the first page of the document and below the 3” top margin.
- The individual name, physical business address and phone number of EVERY Grantor, Grantee, Borrower, Beneficiary, Trustee, Lender, or other party to the instrument. (MS Code Section 89-5-24 2a)
- The “Prepared By” statement must include the individual name, physical business address and phone number of the preparer. If a document is prepared by an attorney, the Attorney’s Bar Number must be recited in the prepared by statement.
- A “Return To” address (MS Code Section 89-5-24 2b).
- Title of the Document or Instrument (MS Code Section 89-5-24 2c).
- Any Address and telephone number required by Section 27-3-51, Mississippi Code of This will be for the Preparer of the document and the Grantor and Grantee on any conveyance document.
- The Legal Description of the property or Indexing instructions. (MS Code Section 89-5-24 2a and Section 89-5-33 3). Indexing instructions on the first page that states the Quarter, Section, Township, Range OR Block, Lot, Subdivision AND County: (Example: “For Indexing Purposes: NE ¼, Section 4, Township 3 East, Range 1 North, Clay County”).
The following documents are not required to comply with these requirements. (MS Code Section 89-5-24 3)
- Document executed prior to 7/1/09, military separation document, document executed outside of the US, Certified Copy of a document issued by a court or government agency, including vital records, a document where one of the original parties is deceased or incapacitated, a document formatted to meet court document requirements, a federal tax lien or a UCC.
Font size must be at least 10 point font. (A full Clarity Copy may be submitted if the original docs not comply and is included in the document page count). (MS Code Section 89-5-24 1b).
Pages printed on only one side. (MS Code Section 89-5-24 1a).
Corresponding names must be printed or typed under each signature. (MS Code Section 89-5-241e).
If the full Legal Description is not typed in the body of the document, it must be referenced to as “See attached Exhibit A” and must state what page the full legal is located on. Make sure the additional page with the legal description is labeled as “Exhibit A”. (MS Code Section 89-5-24 2e) Must include a Derivation Clause for all documents.
Missouri
Title Turn Time: 24-48 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: No Survey required just the survey affidavit.
Recording Requirements:
Must have a BLANK 3” Top Margin, all other margins and pages must have 3/4” margin.
First page requirements: Must include Title and Date of Document, All Grantor and Grantee names and addresses, legal description (may be abbreviated and state “See attached”). If first page requirements are not met, you may create a cover page. The full name of the Trust and the Trustees must be stated on cover page. (Borrowers cannot just be listed as Trustees).
Must be submitted on 8.5” x 11” paper.
Font size must be at least 10 point font.
No highlighting, white-out or sticker labels attached or non-standard fees apply.
All signatures must have name typed, stamped or printed underneath.
Some counties are accepting documents printed on one side ONLY.
Some counties are requiring the Plat Book and Page of the property Subdivision Map to be stated on all documents being recorded. If this is not in the Legal Description, obtain it from the Assessor.
Signatures must be in dark blue or black ink to insure reproduction for recording.
No documents being recorded in public records may include Social Security, Drivers License or personal numbers.
Montana
Title Turn Time: 24-72 hours
Attorney State: NO
Marital State: Yes
Vantage Point must Fund: No
Document Requirements for policy:
- Closing instructions
- Payoffs of items on title
- Copy of signed HUD/CD
- Executed Mortgage
- Vantage Point Title disclosure docs
- 1003 or SOI
- Proof of wire or cancelled check for payoff
- Ledger
Mortgage Tax: Not Applicable
Survey: Survey is required on purchase transactions. Survey affidavit can be used for refinances.
Recording Requirements:
Must have a BLANK 3” first page top margin, all other margins and pages must have 1” margin. Note: these margins MUST be clear. Any intrusions into the margins makes the document Non-Standard. This includes page numbers, bar codes, and signatures, non-pertinent information, etc…
Font must be at least 10 point in size. If any print or text does not comply, the document is
Non-Standard. This includes page numbers, bar codes, and names under signatures, non-pertinent information, city, county and state information in legal description, etc…
“Return To” address should be on first page near upper left corner.
All print and type MUST be in black ink. Signatures are ok in blue ink.
All conveyances require the names of all parties on the first (or second if more than one) page.
