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Interpreting property deed grantor information for real estate investors

The grantor on a property deed is the party conveying the property, usually the seller. Understanding this information helps confirm ownership and identifies potential issues with the chain of title.

October 31, 2026 · 3 min read

What "grantor" means on a deed

On a property deed, the 'grantor' is the current owner or owners of record who are transferring their interest in the property. The 'grantee' is the party receiving that interest, which would be you or your entity. It is a fundamental piece of public record information.

When you are looking at deeds, always identify who the grantor was on the last recorded transfer. This confirms who held legal title at that time. It is the starting point for verifying ownership.

Verifying the grantor's identity

Cross-reference the grantor's name on the deed with the name of the person you are communicating with. If your lead is from Speed to Seller, we provide the owner's name, which should match the grantor on the most recent deed. Any discrepancies need further investigation.

Pay attention to how the name is listed: individual, husband and wife, trust, or LLC. This tells you who legally needs to sign the new deed and who you should be negotiating with. A trust or LLC grantor indicates a different ownership structure than an individual.

Common issues with grantor information

Sometimes you will see a grantor who is deceased, or a name that does not quite match your contact. This could indicate an inherited property that has not gone through probate yet, or a clerical error. These situations flag a potential title issue that needs to be resolved before closing.

Another common issue is a missing spouse or co-owner on the deed. All parties listed as grantors on the current deed must agree to sell and sign the new deed. If only one owner is communicating with you, you need to verify if other grantors exist and are on board.

Grantor and unrecorded heirs

For inherited properties, the grantor might be a deceased individual, and the current 'owners' are heirs who have not yet formally recorded their interest. In this case, you will likely need an affidavit of heirship or a probate process to establish a clear chain of title. This adds complexity and time to the deal.

It is important to understand that an heir, even a legitimate one, is not legally the grantor until their ownership is formally recognized through proper channels. This will vary by state and county, so always confirm local requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for legal advice.

When to consult with a title company

If you notice any inconsistencies or red flags with the grantor information, bring it to the attention of your title company immediately. They are the experts in resolving these issues. An early heads-up can prevent significant delays or even deal collapse.

A good title company can trace the chain of title, identify any unrecorded interests, and advise on the necessary steps to clear title. Do not try to solve complex grantor issues on your own; rely on the professionals.

Questions people ask

What if the grantor name is different from my lead name?

This is a red flag. It could mean the lead is not the legal owner, there was a recent unrecorded transfer, or it is an inherited property. You need to investigate further and verify ownership.

Does the grantor always have to be the current owner?

Yes, for a valid transfer, the grantor must be the legal owner(s) of record who have the right to convey the property. Any discrepancies mean the title is not clear.

Can a deceased person be listed as a grantor?

A deceased person cannot legally sign as a grantor. If the last recorded grantor is deceased, it indicates an inherited property that will likely require probate or an affidavit of heirship to transfer title correctly. This is not legal advice. Consult with a qualified professional for legal advice.