Depending on the state where the property is located, the proof of ownership document is either a title or a deed. In the state of Virginia, the proof of ownership is a deed. When you own land in Virginia and want to transfer the ownership of the land to someone else, then you must transfer the land deed.
Step 1
Obtain a warranty deed form for Virginia. You can buy a warranty deed template that you can fill in at most office supply stores. Forms that are specific to Virginia counties can be obtained from local attorneys or websites that sell blank Virginia deed forms.
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Step 2
Fill out the warranty deed. Use the Virginia deed form template (see Resources) to fill in the blanks, such as your name as the current owner, the name of the person you are transferring the property to, the date, and the terms and conditions of the transfer. For example, if you are selling the property, then you would include the amount the buyer is paying to buy the land.
Step 3
Take the warranty deed to a notary. Hire a local notary or take the warranty deed to your bank or other office that offers notary services.
Step 4
Sign the Virginia warranty deed. In the state of Virginia, a signature by the grantor, seller or current owner of the land is required on the deed when the land ownership is being transferred to a new owner. You need to sign the deed in front of the notary.
Tip
The most common type of deed used to transfer the ownership of property in Virginia is the warranty deed, because it offers the most comprehensive level of protection and guarantees that the land has a free and clear deed.
Two other deeds are available to complete the transfer of land in Virginia, which include a limited warranty deed or a quitclaim deed. A limited warranty deed states that the grantor does not know of any encumbrances or problems with the deed during the time they have owned the property, so that the deed is free and clear upon the transfer. A quitclaim deed also transfers ownership of the land, but the transfer occurs without any guarantee or warranty of the condition of the deed.
Deeds should be filed with the county clerk’s office, which handles property records. When the deed is recorded, it goes into the public records. The deed, however, does not have to be recorded for the transfer of ownership to occur. The official transfer occurs as soon as the deed is signed by the grantor and notarized.
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