Property Flashcards
What must be in a deed?
- signed by the grantor
- Indicating a real, identifiable grantee
- Description of the property
- Language of conveyance
Deed Forgery
deed is made, altered, completed, or signed by someone other than the grantor. A forged deed is void
Fraud in Inducement
- material misrepresentation
- of past or present fact
- by which the perpetrator intended to induce the grantor’s reliance
- and the grantor relied to her detriment
This results in a VOIDABLE deed
Fraud in execution
The grantor, through no fault of their own, signs a deed believing it to be something else.
Void
Delivery requirements
- words or acts of the grantor that demonstrate
- a present intent
- to transfer a property interest to the grantee
Can delivery be revoked?
NO
When will courts presume that delivery occurred?
- Grantee is in possession of the deed
- Grantor recorded the deed
- Grantor signs a deed before a notary or other witnesses
- Grantor is in possession of the property
Estoppel
A grantor might be estopped from denying delivery if 1) the grantor induced the grantee to take possession and 2) to spend money on the property 3) under the reasonable belief that the grantor transferred title
What happens if a Bona Fide purchaser buys from a seller who obtained a deed without legal delivery?
BFP has no interest, because seller had nothing to convey
Is acceptance presumed?
Yes, unless the property would be a burden on the grantee
Quitclaim deed
grantor gives to the grantee whatever interest the grantor has. No covenants of title
Special warranty deed
includes all covenants of title and warrants against title defects created by the grantor. Does not warrant against defects made by grantor’s predecessors
General Warranty Deed
Includes all covenants of title and warrants against title defects made by grantor and his predecessors
6 covenants of title
- seisin
- right to convey
- covenant against encumbrances
- quiet enjoyment
- warranty
- further assurances
seisin
warrants that the grantor actually holds a property interest in the land
right to convey
warrants that grantor has legal authority to transfer their interest
covenant against encumbrances
warrants that there are no encumbrances on the property
What if there are encumbrances on the property?
Then they must be in the deed or be open, notorious, and visible (eg. public highways, railways, overhead power lines)
Quiet enjoyment
warrants that no one with superior title will disturb grantee’s possession
Warranty
warrants that grantor will defend and indemnify grantee against any claims to the property by someone with superior title
Further assurances
warrants that the grantor will take whatever steps necessary to perfect grantee’s title
Broker
seller’s agent for the purpose of selling property
Broker’s fiduciary duties
act in the seller’s best interest, avoid or disclose conflicts of interest, act with diligence to fulfill responsibilities
Listing agreement
contract that lays out the agreement between seller and broker
Types of listing agreements
- Exclusive right to sell
- Exclusive agency
- Open
Exclusive right to sell
broker has the sole authority to sell the property. Broker always gets commission
Exclusive agency
Broker will be the seller’s only agent for the sale during the listing period. Broker gets commission unless the seller finds the buyer
Open: listing agreement
Broker has nonexclusive right to sell the property. Broker only gets a commission if broker finds a buyer
Federal Fair Housing Act
regulates the sale or rental of any living space. Prohibits discrimination based on race, sex, disability, national origin, famial status, color, or religion
Prohibited acts under the FFHA
- refusing to sell or rent to a bona fide offeror
- discriminating in the terms of a contract
- advertising any preference or limitation regarding renters or purchasers
- misrepresenting the availability of living spaces
- refusing to permit reasonable modifications, at occupants expense, to accommodate for a disability