What Is a Corrective Deed in Real Estate?

🛠 Why a Corrective Deed Is Needed

If a recorded deed contains mistakes, those errors can cause title issues, delays at closing, or confusion about ownership. A corrective deed ensures the county’s public record accurately reflects what the parties originally intended.

• Misspelled grantor or grantee names
• Incorrect legal description
• Typographical or clerical errors
• Wrong parcel number
• Missing or incorrect dates
• Errors in vesting (how owners hold title)

📋 What a Corrective Deed Can (and Cannot) Fix

✔ A Corrective Deed CAN Fix:

• Clerical or typographical errors
• Formatting mistakes
• Minor legal description errors
• Spelling and name corrections
• Incorrect marital status or vesting language

❌ A Corrective Deed CANNOT Fix:

• Adding or removing an owner
• Changing the buyer or seller
• Changing the purchase price
• Correcting fraud or disputes

Any change that affects ownership requires a new deed — not a corrective one.

📄 How to Prepare and Record a Corrective Deed

• Obtain a copy of the original recorded deed
• Prepare a corrective deed referencing the original recording details
• Include clear language explaining what is being corrected
• Have the grantor(s) sign and notarize the new deed
• Record the corrective deed with the county recorder

To understand the recording step, see: What Is Recording in Real Estate? →

💡 Why Corrective Deeds Matter for FSBO Sellers

If you're selling FSBO, any errors in your deed can slow down closing or cause title issues. Correcting mistakes early ensures you have a clear, marketable title when listing on the MLS through Brokerless.

🏠 Fix Deed Errors and Sell with Confidence

Once your corrective deed is recorded, Brokerless helps you list on the MLS for maximum exposure — without paying 6% commission.

❓ Corrective Deed FAQ

1. Does a corrective deed transfer ownership?

No — it only fixes errors. Ownership does not change.

2. Does a corrective deed need to be notarized?

Yes. It must be signed and notarized just like the original deed.

3. Who signs a corrective deed?

The original grantor typically signs it. Some counties require all parties to sign.

4. Does a corrective deed need to be recorded?

Yes — recording updates the public record and ensures the correction is legally recognized.

5. How fast can a corrective deed be recorded?

Usually within a few days to a few weeks depending on the county.