Grant Deed: The most commonly used property conveyance document in California. They contain guarantees that title hasn’t already been transferred or contain undisclosed encumbrances (liens, easements, etc.). Examples include adding or removing a spouse or child, changing an owner’s name (after name change), or transferring the title to someone else (as part of a sale or gift).

Quitclaim Deed: Used to release a property interest. Unlike a Grant Deed, Quitclaims make no promises about the title being valid. Quitclaims are often used when someone has a theoretical claim (for example, removing a spouse’s potential community property claim from a house that was owned before marriage). Quitclaims are also used to release (remove) easements.

Correction Deed: Used to correct erroneous Grant Deeds and Quitclaim Deeds that have already been recorded with the County Recorder.

Transfer-on-Death Deed: An inexpensive way for property owners to transfer real estate after they die without creating a living trust or will. It’s important to note that inheriting under a TOD Deed requires the beneficiary to accept liability for all of the deceased owner’s unsecured debts (credit cards, etc.). The beneficiary may also have to give up the home if a creditor files in court.

Affidavit of Death: Used to remove an owner from title after they have passed away.

HCD Title Transfer: Mobile and manufactured homes are issued decal numbers by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), much like cars are issued license plates by the DMV. Manufactured home titles don’t transfer with the land unless they’re affixed to a foundation and the affixation has been recorded. If they aren’t affixed, manufactured home transfers have to be recorded with HCD.

Easement: Records the right to use land for a specific purpose. For example, a roadway easement gives the right to use a private road to travel across someone else’s land.

Lot Line Adjustment: A “lot line” is the legal boundary between two adjacent parcels of land. When one neighbor sells (or sometimes gifts) a piece of their property to an adjoining neighbor, the lot line is moved. A new legal description and map (created by a licensed land surveyor or registered civil engineer) need to be recorded to finalize the change.

Parcel Merger: Similar to lot line adjustments, but instead of being re-divided, two parcels are merged into one. Once again, a new legal description and map need to be recorded.

Deeds of Reconveyance: Removes a lender’s interest after the loan is paid off. Simply put, this deed is recorded to remove the lender’s lien from title.