Transfer of title: real estate exam study notes

Transfer questions cover deeds, what makes them valid, recording and notice, title insurance, and involuntary transfers.

Updated 2026-09-23 · 2 sources · By the RealEstateExamKit team

How much it counts

VendorOutline area (salesperson national)
Pearson VUEForms of ownership, transfer and recording of title (9) of 80 scored items
PSITransfer of title 6% of the national portion

Study notes

  • Valid deed essentials: competent grantor, identifiable grantee, consideration recital, words of conveyance, legal description, grantor’s signature, delivery and acceptance. Recording is not required for validity.
  • Deed types: general warranty (most protection), special warranty, bargain and sale, quitclaim (no warranties).
  • Notice: recording gives constructive notice; possession can give actual or inquiry notice.
  • Involuntary transfer: foreclosure, adverse possession, eminent domain, escheat.

Exam traps

  • The grantee does not sign the deed; the grantor does.
  • Acknowledgment (notarization) is usually needed to record, not to make the deed valid.
  • Owner’s vs lender’s title policy. They protect different parties.

Educational summary, not legal advice. State law can change the rule - your state portion tests your state’s version.

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Sources

  1. Pearson VUE - Texas Real Estate Candidate Handbook (national salesperson outline, effective March 1, 2025) (accessed 2026-09-23)
  2. PSI - Georgia Real Estate Commission Candidate Information Bulletin (national portion outline) (accessed 2026-09-23)