General Information About Instruments of Conveyance

Legal instruments such as warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, etc., that convey title from one property owner to a new owner, are usually drafted by attorneys, or paralegals or legal secretaries under the supervision of an attorney.

The forms used for various types of deeds are available at office supply businesses.  Please remember to use black ink so that the document will scan properly.

The grantor and grantee (seller and buyer) must be identified on the deed.  The grantor's signature which has been notarized, and a legal description of the property being conveyed must be on the deed.  The return address of the person who is to receive the deed after it has been recorded is required.  The parcel identification number, found on the property tax bill, must be placed on the document under the return address.  Only the original signatures may be recorded with the Register of Deeds - not photocopies.

The moment that a correctly prepared deed is handed from one owner to the next is the moment of actual conveyance.  It is wise to protect your interest by recording the deed with the Register of Deeds at 407 South Second Street, Alma, Wisconsin  54610. The recording fee is $11.00 for the first page and $2.00 for every page thereafter per document.  Many deeds are only one page; in this case the cost is $11.00.

A Wisconsin Real Estate Transfer Return must accompany a deed for it to be recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds.  You can get a Wisconsin Transfer Return Form and a list of instructions from the Buffalo County Register of Deeds (608) 685-6230.  The Transfer Return must be filled out entirely, the fee to be paid (if any) calculated and the recording fee must accompany the deed when you mail it in or bring it in fro recording.  If you have any questions about filling out the Transfer Return, contact Mr. Russ Reppen at the State Department of Revenue (608) 266-1594.

If you have any questions regarding filling out the deed form, contact your attorney.