- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Types of Deeds
The document that legally conveys an interest in real estate from one individual to another is referred to as a “deed.” Every state has specific laws and requirements for valid deeds and, if you are involved in a real estate transaction, you should always seek guidance of an experienced deed & real estate attorney who has a thorough understanding of Washington state real estate laws. If you have any questions regarding the legal issues of real estate, call the office of Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess today in Seattle at (206) 621-1110 or in Tacoma at (253) 572-1000 for assistance.
Requirements for a Washington Deed
There are certain basic requirement for a valid deed under Washington law,1 including the following:
- Must be in writing
- Must contain a legally accurate description of the property (an address alone is insufficient)
- The grantor (the individual granting the property interest to another, i.e. the seller) must sign the deed and have it notarized.
Though these requirements may seem relatively simple, you should always have an attorney review the deed in order to ensure the transaction is valid.
Common Types of Deeds
The following are the most commonly used types of deeds, which are set out by statute.
Warranty Deed
In a warranty deed,2 the seller of the property provides a guaranty (a warranty) that the title to the real estate is clear with no liens or encumbrances, and that the seller has the legal right to sell the property.
Bargain and Sale Deed
This type of deed is similar to a warranty deed, however only makes guarantees to the buyer regarding the period of time the seller owned the property. This type of title makes no guarantees regarding liens or encumbrances that may exist prior to the time the seller acquired the property. This type of deed is most often used by banks following a foreclosure of a property.
Quitclaim Deed
A quitclaim deed3 simply transfers ownership of the real estate to another party and ends (“quits”) the grantor’s right to claim interest in the property. This type of deed makes no guarantees as to the status of the property title and, therefore, is not commonly used in traditional real estate purchase transactions. Instead, it is often used when a family member gifts a piece of property to another or following a divorce when one former spouse gives their ownership interest to the other.
1 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.04.020
2 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.04.030
3 https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=64.04.050
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Lacey L. Hatch
Lacey has developed an in-depth knowledge and has successfully advised clients in an array of land use matters, including project review, code drafting and interpretation, as well as a variety of litigation pertinent to land use issues.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
