{ "name": "US residential mortgage closing rules, by state", "description": "Primary-source research on how residential mortgage closing rules differ by state: who may conduct a closing, whether the state taxes the recording of a mortgage, who is assigned the owner’s title premium, disabled-veteran property tax relief, and whether a non-borrowing spouse must sign. Where no authority could be sourced, the record says so rather than guessing.", "url": "https://solverya.com/data/closing-rules", "version": "2026-09-03", "creator": { "name": "Jeff Moran", "nmls": "483943", "url": "https://solverya.com/jeff-moran" }, "license": { "summary": "Free to quote, cite and reuse with attribution.", "attribution": "Jeff Moran, NMLS #483943 — https://solverya.com" }, "coverage": { "closingConductor": { "sourced": 50, "total": 50 }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "sourced": 9, "total": 50 }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "sourced": 50, "total": 50 }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "sourced": 14, "total": 50 }, "spousalConsent": { "sourced": 10, "total": 50 } }, "notes": { "nulls": "A field with sourced:false means no authority was found or the state has not been researched for that field. It does NOT mean the answer is negative. Treating an unsourced field as a \"no\" is the specific error this dataset exists to avoid.", "staleness": "Statutes are amended. Each fact names its authority so it can be re-checked at the source; the version field above is the date this file was generated." }, "states": [ { "code": "AL", "name": "Alabama", "researchedAt": "2026-08-30", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Alabama law does not make every residential closing an attorney closing. Preparing instruments affecting secular rights is reserved to lawyers, while title and abstract companies may conduct their own title business.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, AL", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "No statute, regulator publication or statewide form assigning the owner’s premium to buyer or seller was found. The purchase contract controls.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, AL", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Alabama imposes recordation tax on mortgages, deeds of trust, and other listed instruments.", "sources": [ { "label": "Alabama Department of Revenue, Recordation Tax", "url": "https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/tax-types/recordation-tax/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A resident who is permanently and totally disabled may claim a homestead exemption from the state portion of property tax through the county tax assessing official; beginning October 1, 2026, a veteran with a 100% permanent and total service-connected rating may obtain a tentative certificate before purchasing the home.", "sources": [ { "label": "Alabama Department of Revenue, Property Tax FAQs", "url": "https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/faq-categories/general-pt/" }, { "label": "Code of Alabama § 40-9-21.3 (effective October 1, 2026)", "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=40-9-21.3" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "homestead-consent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Alabama Code § 6-10-3 makes no mortgage, deed or other conveyance of a married person’s homestead valid without the spouse’s voluntary signature and assent, shown through the acknowledgment the section prescribes. The mechanism is homestead law rather than shared ownership, so it does not depend on the spouse appearing in record title, and that spouse can sign the mortgage without signing the note or taking on the debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Alabama Code § 6-10-3", "url": "https://alison.legislature.state.al.us/code-of-alabama?section=6-10-3" } ] } }, { "code": "AK", "name": "Alaska", "researchedAt": "2026-08-30", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Alaska is not a mandatory attorney-closing state. The Real Estate Commission directs a closing brokerage to arrange the transaction through a title company, lending institution, escrow company or attorney with the parties’ consent.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, AK", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "negotiated", "sourced": true, "summary": "The Alaska Division of Insurance states that closing fees, including title insurance, are negotiated between seller and buyer.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, AK", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Alaska charges the same page-based recording fees for all documents rather than imposing a tax on mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Alaska DNR Recorder’s Office fee schedule", "url": "https://dnr.alaska.gov/ssd/recoff/fees" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A resident veteran with at least a 50% service-connected disability may exempt part of an owned and occupied primary residence; the veteran applies to the local municipal assessor by the deadline that municipality establishes.", "sources": [ { "label": "Alaska DCRA, Property Tax Exemptions in Alaska", "url": "https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/dcra/LocalGovernmentResourceDesk/TaxationAssessment/PropertyTaxExemptionsinAlaska.aspx" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "joinder-required-limited-effect", "sourced": true, "summary": "Alaska Stat. § 34.15.010(b) directs that the spouses join in a conveyance of the family home or homestead, but subsections (c) and (d) then limit the effect: the requirement itself creates no property interest, and nonjoinder does not affect validity unless the spouse appears on title, subject to a one-year suit-or-recorded-notice provision. Ask for the joinder as the execution rule without reporting that every omission voids a mortgage.", "sources": [ { "label": "Alaska Statutes Title 34, AS 34.15.010", "url": "https://www.akleg.gov/statutesPDF/Title-34.pdf" } ] } }, { "code": "AZ", "name": "Arizona", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "Arizona authorizes licensed escrow agents and title insurance agents to handle real-property escrows under written conditions; an attorney is not required to conduct the ordinary residential closing.", "sources": [ { "label": "Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 6-801 and 20-1581", "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/20/01581.htm" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Arizona charges a flat recording fee, not a tax on mortgage debt; its separate real-estate transfer fee applies to deeds or sale contracts and expressly excludes security-only transfers.", "sources": [ { "label": "Arizona Revised Statutes §§ 11-475, 11-1132 and 11-1134", "url": "https://www.azleg.gov/ars/11/01134.htm" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "AR", "name": "Arkansas", "researchedAt": "2026-08-30", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Arkansas is not a mandatory attorney-closing state. The Title Insurance Act licenses title agents and agencies, and the Insurance Department’s title rule recognises escrow and closing fees as their authorised activity.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, AR", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "No statute, regulator publication or statewide form assigning the owner’s premium to buyer or seller was found. The purchase contract controls.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, AR", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Arkansas charges uniform recorder fees for mortgages and deeds of trust. Its separate real-property transfer tax is imposed on instruments that convey sold real estate, not on the mortgage securing the debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Arkansas DFA, Real Property Transfer Tax; Arkansas Code § 21-6-306", "url": "https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/office/taxes/excise-tax-administration/miscellaneous-tax/miscellaneous-tax-descriptions/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-total", "sourced": true, "summary": "An Arkansas resident veteran with a 100% total and permanent service-connected disability, or specified qualifying loss or blindness compensation, is exempt from property tax on the homestead and qualifying personal property; eligibility is established with the county collector using a VA letter that need not be resubmitted annually unless eligibility, ownership, use, or occupancy changes.", "sources": [ { "label": "Arkansas Act 876 of 2025, amending Arkansas Code § 26-3-306", "url": "https://webftp.blr.arkansas.gov/Home/FTPDocument?path=ACTS%2F2025R%2FPublic%2FACT876.pdf" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "CA", "name": "California", "researchedAt": "2026-08-30", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "California is not an attorney-closing state. A neutral escrow holder carries out written instructions, holds documents and funds, records instruments and disburses when conditions are satisfied.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, CA", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "varies-by-region", "sourced": true, "summary": "There is no single California custom; allocation differs by region and is set by the contract.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, CA", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "California does not impose a state tax measured by mortgage debt when a mortgage or deed of trust is recorded. Documentary transfer tax applies to conveyances; separately, state law authorizes flat recording fees on real-estate instruments.", "sources": [ { "label": "California Revenue and Taxation Code § 11911; Government Code § 27388.1", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=GOV§ionNum=27388.1." } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A veteran rated 100% disabled from service-connected causes, or compensated at the 100% rate because of unemployability, may claim a principal-residence exemption through the county assessor; the initial full claim is due by the later of January 1 after eligibility or 90 days after the qualifying event, and the low-income level renews annually by February 15.", "sources": [ { "label": "California State Board of Equalization, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption", "url": "https://www.boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/dv_exemption.htm" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "community-property-joinder", "sourced": true, "summary": "California Family Code § 1102(a) requires both spouses to join in executing an instrument that encumbers community real property, and § 760 presumes that property acquired during marriage is community property. Record title in one name does not answer the question by itself — but neither does living there: if the residence is genuinely the titled spouse’s separate property, the joinder rule does not apply. Character of the property comes first, signature second.", "sources": [ { "label": "California Family Code § 1102", "url": "https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=1102." } ] } }, { "code": "CO", "name": "Colorado", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Colorado permits a person or entity providing closing and settlement services to receive and disburse transaction funds, and separately regulates title entities performing those services; an attorney is not mandatory.", "sources": [ { "label": "Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-35-125", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-38.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Colorado imposes a documentary fee on instruments that grant or convey real property, not a tax on recording a mortgage or deed of trust. Ordinary recording fees still apply.", "sources": [ { "label": "Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 39-13-102 and 39-13-103", "url": "https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-39.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "CT", "name": "Connecticut", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "Connecticut law provides that no person may conduct the defined real-estate closing unless admitted as an attorney in the state and eligible to practice.", "sources": [ { "label": "Connecticut General Statutes § 51-88a", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_876.htm#sec_51-88a" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Connecticut charges flat or per-page recording fees for mortgages. Its separate real-estate conveyance tax applies to sales or transfers of real property, not to mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Connecticut General Statutes chapters 92 and 223", "url": "https://www.cga.ct.gov/current/pub/chap_223.htm" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "DE", "name": "Delaware", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "Delaware treats the material legal functions of a real-estate settlement as the practice of law and requires Delaware-attorney participation rather than an independent lay settlement company conducting the closing.", "sources": [ { "label": "Delaware Supreme Court, In re Mid-Atlantic Settlement Services", "url": "https://courts.delaware.gov/OPINIONS/download.ASPx?ID=51000" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Delaware expressly excludes mortgages from the documents subject to its realty transfer tax. Mortgages remain subject to ordinary recording and satisfaction fees.", "sources": [ { "label": "Delaware Code title 30, § 5401(1)(c)", "url": "https://delcode.delaware.gov/title30/c054/sc01/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "FL", "name": "Florida", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Florida expressly authorizes licensed title insurers, title insurance agents or agencies, and attorney agents to prepare closing documents, conduct the closing, and disburse funds.", "sources": [ { "label": "Florida Statutes § 627.7711", "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0600-0699/0627/Sections/0627.7711.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "negotiated", "sourced": true, "summary": "The statewide Florida Realtors/Florida Bar contract makes the owner’s-policy payer a contract selection, with a separate Miami-Dade/Broward regional option.", "sources": [ { "label": "Florida Realtors/Florida Bar Residential Contract for Sale and Purchase", "url": "https://www.floridarealtors.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/Residential%20Contract%20for%20Sale%20and%20Purchase%20%28FloridaRealtors-FloridaBar-7x%29_Redlined.pdf" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Florida imposes documentary stamp tax on mortgages and other evidences of indebtedness filed or recorded in the state.", "sources": [ { "label": "Florida Statutes § 201.08", "url": "https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0200-0299/0201/Sections/0201.08.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "GA", "name": "Georgia", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "Georgia is an attorney-closing state. Bar Formal Advisory Opinions 86-5 and 13-1 make closing a real-estate transaction the practice of law and require a lawyer to control it from beginning to end; a witness-only lawyer is insufficient.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, GA", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "buyer", "sourced": true, "summary": "The Georgia REALTORS residential form places title search and remaining closing charges on the buyer unless the agreement says otherwise. A form default, not a statewide law.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, GA", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Georgia imposes an intangible recording tax when an instrument securing a long-term note is recorded. The lender is legally responsible, though the Department of Revenue permits passing it to the client.", "sources": [ { "label": "Georgia Department of Revenue, Intangible Recording Tax", "url": "https://dor.georgia.gov/intangible-recording-tax" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "An honorably discharged Georgia veteran who is rated 100% totally disabled, compensated at the 100% rate for individual unemployability, or receives a qualifying statutory loss award may exempt part of an owned and occupied primary residence by applying through county tax officials.", "sources": [ { "label": "Georgia Department of Veterans Service, Disabled Veteran Homestead Tax Exemption", "url": "https://veterans.georgia.gov/disabled-veteran-homestead-tax-exemption" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "ownership-only", "sourced": true, "summary": "No general statute was identified requiring a spouse to sign a security deed solely because the property is the marital residence. O.C.G.A. § 19-3-9 keeps each spouse’s separate property separate, and §§ 44-14-60 and 44-14-61 govern a grantor’s deed to secure debt without adding a marriage-only joinder rule. A spouse holding a record or equitable interest is an owner regardless of what an intake form says, and still has to execute.", "sources": [ { "label": "Official Code of Georgia, §§ 19-3-9 and 44-14-60", "url": "https://www.lexisnexis.com/hottopics/gacode/" } ] } }, { "code": "HI", "name": "Hawaii", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "Hawaii regulates neutral escrow depositories for transactions affecting title to real property; the escrow holder carries out the closing instructions and an attorney is not mandatory.", "sources": [ { "label": "Hawaii Revised Statutes chapter 449", "url": "https://cca.hawaii.gov/hawaii-revised-statutes/" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Hawaii imposes conveyance tax on transfers of realty, not on mortgage debt. Mortgages are subject to ordinary document-recording fees, including any activated temporary fee that applies to every recorded document.", "sources": [ { "label": "Hawaii Revised Statutes §§ 247-1, 431P-20 and 502-25", "url": "https://data.capitol.hawaii.gov/hrscurrent/Vol12_Ch0501-0588/HRS0502/HRS_0502-0025.htm" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "ID", "name": "Idaho", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "Idaho licenses escrow agencies to hold instruments, money, or title evidence under written conditions for real-property sales, transfers, and encumbrances; an attorney is not mandatory.", "sources": [ { "label": "Idaho Escrow Act, title 30 chapter 9", "url": "https://www.finance.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/legal/statutes-rules/documents/Escrow%20Act.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Idaho prescribes flat recorder fees for trust deeds and mortgages rather than imposing a state tax measured by the secured debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Idaho Code § 31-3205", "url": "https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title31/T31CH32/SECT31-3205/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "IL", "name": "Illinois", "researchedAt": "2026-08-30", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Illinois treats drafting instruments affecting title as the practice of law, but the escrow holder need not be a law firm — a title-company closer ordinarily acts as the lender’s settlement agent.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, IL", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "seller", "sourced": true, "summary": "The Illinois State Bar says that in most Illinois communities the seller commonly provides the buyer with an owner’s policy, and recommends making that explicit in the contract.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, IL", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Illinois imposes real-estate transfer tax when title is transferred. Mortgages instead incur statutory recording fees and a flat program surcharge, not a tax measured by the secured debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Illinois Counties Code recording fees; Illinois Legislative Research Unit Tax Handbook", "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?ActID=750&ChapterID=12&DocName=005500050HArt.+5&Print=True&SeqEnd=125700000&SeqStart=56900000" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A veteran with at least a 30% service-connected disability may receive a tiered reduction on the primary residence, with the broadest relief beginning at 70%; the veteran or eligible surviving spouse files annually with the chief county assessment office.", "sources": [ { "label": "Illinois Department of Revenue, Property Tax Relief for Veterans and Persons with Disabilities", "url": "https://tax.illinois.gov/localgovernments/property/disabledveteraninfo.html" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "homestead-consent", "sourced": true, "summary": "735 ILCS 5/12-904 makes no release, waiver or conveyance of the statutory homestead estate valid unless it is in writing and signed by the individual and that individual’s spouse. A second and separate rule, 765 ILCS 1005/1c, independently requires both signatures where homestead property is held in tenancy by the entirety. A spouse signing to release homestead is not thereby made liable on the note.", "sources": [ { "label": "735 ILCS 5/12-901 through 12-904", "url": "https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ILCS/details?ActID=2017&ActName=Code+of+Civil+Procedure.&ChapAct=735+ILCS+5%2F&Chapter=CIVIL+PROCEDURE&ChapterID=56&MajorTopic=RIGHTS+AND+REMEDIES&Print=True&SeqEnd=101400000&SeqStart=81100000" } ] } }, { "code": "IN", "name": "Indiana", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Indiana recognizes title companies and title insurance producers acting as residential settlement or closing agents, and the Department of Insurance states that title companies handle property closings.", "sources": [ { "label": "Indiana Department of Insurance, Title Insurance Shopping Tips", "url": "https://www.in.gov/idoi/title/shopping-tips/" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Indiana prescribes a flat recorder fee for mortgages rather than imposing a state tax measured by the secured debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Indiana Code § 36-2-7-10.5; Shelby County Recorder fee schedule", "url": "https://www.in.gov/counties/shelby/recorder/recorder-fee-schedule/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "IA", "name": "Iowa", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Iowa licenses nonparty closing agents to provide residential real-estate closing services, including the closing conference, document checks, and receipt and disbursement of funds.", "sources": [ { "label": "Iowa Code chapter 535B", "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2023/535B.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Iowa imposes real-estate transfer tax on instruments that grant, assign, transfer, or convey realty, not on mortgage debt. Recorded mortgages incur the general per-page and per-transaction recorder fees.", "sources": [ { "label": "Iowa Code §§ 428A.1 and 331.604", "url": "https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/2026/428A.1.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "KS", "name": "Kansas", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Kansas is not an attorney-closing state. K.S.A. 40-1136 includes handling escrow, settlements or closings and recording documents among a title agent’s authorised functions.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, KS", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "No statute, regulator publication or statewide form assigning the owner’s premium to buyer or seller was found. The purchase contract controls. Kansas City-area practice should not be imported from the Missouri side.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, KS", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Kansas repealed its mortgage registration tax statutes. Mortgages now incur the register of deeds’ ordinary page-based recording fees rather than a tax measured by secured debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Kansas Statutes chapters 79, article 31 and 28-115", "url": "https://ksrevisor.gov/statutes/ksa_ch79.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "refund-or-credit", "sourced": true, "summary": "An honorably or generally discharged Kansas veteran with at least a 50% service-connected evaluation may claim the increase over base-year homestead tax, subject to full-year residency, ownership, occupancy, income, and base-year home-value limits, by filing Form K-40SVR with the Department of Revenue by April 15.", "sources": [ { "label": "Kansas Department of Revenue, K-40SVR frequently asked questions", "url": "https://www.ksrevenue.gov/faqs-SVR.html/pdf/faqs.html" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "KY", "name": "Kentucky", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Kentucky permits a layperson to conduct a real-estate closing so long as the closer does not give legal advice or answer questions requiring legal judgment.", "sources": [ { "label": "Kentucky Supreme Court, Countrywide Home Loans v. Kentucky Bar Association", "url": "https://law.justia.com/cases/kentucky/supreme-court/2003/2000-sc-000206-kb.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Kentucky imposes a flat state tax on each mortgage, financing statement, or security agreement, collected by the county clerk before the instrument’s original filing.", "sources": [ { "label": "Kentucky Revised Statutes § 142.010, as amended by 2026 Kentucky Acts chapter 135", "url": "https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/acts/26RS/documents/0135.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "LA", "name": "Louisiana", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Louisiana does not require a lawyer. La. R.S. 9:3506.1 contemplates loan proceeds disbursed by a notary public or licensed title company at execution of the act of sale or act of mortgage — and a Louisiana civil-law notary holds far broader authority than a notary elsewhere.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, LA", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "buyer", "sourced": true, "summary": "The Louisiana Real Estate Commission’s residential purchase agreement places act-of-sale costs, abstracting, title search and title insurance on the buyer unless the parties agree otherwise in writing.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, LA", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Louisiana applies statutory document-recording charges to instruments filed in the parish mortgage records rather than a statewide tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Louisiana Revised Statutes § 13:844, fees of ex officio recorders", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=78106" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A Louisiana veteran with a service-connected disability rating of at least 50% may receive tiered relief beyond the ordinary homestead exemption on an owned and occupied primary residence, with the remaining assessed value exempt at 100% unemployability or total disability; parish assessors administer the exemption.", "sources": [ { "label": "Louisiana Constitution Article VII, Section 21(K)", "url": "https://www.legis.la.gov/Legis/LawPrint.aspx?d=206551" }, { "label": "Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, State Benefits", "url": "https://vetaffairs.la.gov/benefits/state" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "ME", "name": "Maine", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Maine is not a mandatory attorney-closing state. Title 10, chapter 212-D defines a residential settlement agency broadly as whoever conducts settlement or disburses proceeds.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, ME", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "No statute, regulator publication or statewide form assigning the owner’s premium to buyer or seller was found. The purchase contract controls.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, ME", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Maine imposes real-estate transfer tax on deeds and controlling-interest transfers, not on mortgage debt. Mortgages are recorded under the general flat instrument fee.", "sources": [ { "label": "Maine Revised Statutes titles 33 § 751 and 36 § 4641-A", "url": "https://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/36/title36ch711-A.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A Maine resident veteran who served during a qualifying period and is at least 62 or receives total-disability compensation may exempt part of property in the municipality of residence, while a qualifying specially adapted housing grant supports a larger partial exemption; the veteran files proof with the municipal assessor before April 1.", "sources": [ { "label": "Maine Revenue Services, Property Tax Division Manual (2026)", "url": "https://www.maine.gov/revenue/sites/maine.gov.revenue/files/inline-files/pt102_text.pdf" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "express-no-signature", "sourced": true, "summary": "33 M.R.S. § 480 says in terms that an owner may convey or mortgage real estate without the signature of a nonowner spouse, and that a mortgage deed needs no such signature where it secures actual consideration given in good faith to the owner. Two exceptions survive: an augmented-estate transfer under 18-C M.R.S. § 2-208(1), and a recorded divorce claim still pending or already awarded an interest. The qualifier doing the work is \"nonowner\".", "sources": [ { "label": "33 M.R.S. § 480", "url": "https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/33/title33sec480.html" } ] } }, { "code": "MD", "name": "Maryland", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Maryland licenses title insurance producers to provide escrow closing and settlement services.", "sources": [ { "label": "Maryland Insurance Article § 10-101", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gin§ion=10-101" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Maryland applies recordation tax to the secured debt stated in an instrument of writing, subject to exemptions including qualifying purchase-money mortgages and deeds of trust.", "sources": [ { "label": "Maryland Tax–Property § 12-103", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtp§ion=12-103" }, { "label": "Maryland Tax–Property § 12-108", "url": "https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gtp§ion=12-108" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "MA", "name": "Massachusetts", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "Massachusetts reserves directing or managing a covered residential closing to an eligible Massachusetts attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Massachusetts General Laws c. 221 § 46E", "url": "https://www.mass.gov/info-details/mass-general-laws-c221-ss-46e" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Massachusetts charges a fixed registry fee to record a mortgage. Its separate deeds excise applies when real property is conveyed, not when mortgage debt is recorded.", "sources": [ { "label": "Massachusetts General Laws c. 262 § 38 and c. 64D § 1", "url": "https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartIII/TitleVI/Chapter262/Section38" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "MI", "name": "Michigan", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Michigan expressly recognizes a licensed title insurance company or its agent conducting the closing.", "sources": [ { "label": "Michigan MCL 339.2512", "url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-339-2512" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Michigan imposes state real-estate transfer tax on instruments transferring an interest in real property. A mortgage instead carries the uniform statutory document-recording fee.", "sources": [ { "label": "Michigan Compiled Laws, Act 330 of 1993 and § 600.2567", "url": "https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Laws/MCL?objectName=mcl-Act-330-of-1993" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "MN", "name": "Minnesota", "researchedAt": null, "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Minnesota closings are ordinarily conducted through a title company rather than requiring an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Solverya — Minnesota closing guide", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage/minnesota" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "buyer", "sourced": true, "summary": "In a Minnesota purchase the buyer customarily pays for the owner’s title policy, which runs opposite to several states where it sits with the seller. Custom rather than law, and negotiable in the purchase agreement.", "sources": [ { "label": "Solverya — Minnesota closing guide", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage/minnesota" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Minnesota charges a mortgage registry tax on the recording of a mortgage, and a separate deed tax calculated on the sale price.", "sources": [ { "label": "Minnesota Department of Revenue, Mortgage Registry Tax", "url": "https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/mndor-pp/7641?type=html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "An honorably discharged Minnesota veteran with at least a 70% service-connected disability may exclude part of an owned and occupied homestead's market value, with broader relief for a 100% permanent and total rating; applications go to the county assessor by December 31.", "sources": [ { "label": "Minnesota Department of Revenue, Market Value Exclusion for Veterans with a Disability", "url": "https://www.revenue.state.mn.us/market-value-exclusion-veterans-disability" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "MS", "name": "Mississippi", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "Mississippi reserves the legal direction and document work of a real-estate closing to an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Mississippi Bar UPL guidance", "url": "https://www.msbar.org/for-the-public/unauthorized-practice-of-law/" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Mississippi treats deeds of trust as documents subject to the chancery clerk’s ordinary page-based recording fee rather than imposing a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Harrison County Chancery Clerk, Mississippi recording fees under Code § 25-7-9", "url": "https://harrisoncountymschanceryclerk.gov/recording.asp" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "MO", "name": "Missouri", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Missouri is not an attorney-closing state. RSMo § 381.022 expressly authorises a title insurer, agency or unaffiliated agent to act as escrow, settlement or closing agent.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, MO", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "No statute, regulator publication or statewide form assigning the owner’s premium to buyer or seller was found. The purchase contract controls. Missouri does require notice to a purchaser when a lender’s policy will issue without owner’s coverage.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, MO", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Missouri charges a uniform recorder user fee as a prerequisite to recording any instrument rather than imposing a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Missouri Revised Statutes § 59.319", "url": "https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=59.319" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "narrow-eligibility", "sourced": true, "summary": "A Missouri citizen who is both a former prisoner of war and totally disabled from military service may exempt an owned and occupied primary-residence homestead by providing proof of occupancy, total service-connected disability, and former-POW status to the assessor.", "sources": [ { "label": "Missouri State Tax Commission, veteran and former-POW exemption guidance", "url": "https://stc.mo.gov/faq/are-veterans-or-former-pows-exempt-from-property-tax-2/" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "homestead-consent", "sourced": true, "summary": "RSMo § 513.475.2 debars either spouse acting separately from selling, mortgaging or alienating the homestead and declares every such separate mortgage null and void, while preserving the spouses’ ability to act jointly. The rule is framed by marital and homestead status rather than by record title or note liability, and the text states no purchase-money exception. This is stronger than a customary request: the statute supplies the consequence itself.", "sources": [ { "label": "RSMo § 513.475", "url": "https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=513.475" } ] } }, { "code": "MT", "name": "Montana", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Montana regulates title producers handling escrow settlement and closing funds without mandating an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Montana Code title 33 chapter 25", "url": "https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0330/chapter_0250/parts_index.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Montana applies its statutory page-based recording fee to documents including mortgages and deeds of trust rather than imposing a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Montana Code Annotated § 7-4-2637 (2025)", "url": "https://mca.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0070/chapter_0040/part_0260/section_0370/0070-0040-0260-0370.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NE", "name": "Nebraska", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Nebraska regulates title agents performing escrow settlement and closing services without mandating an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Nebraska Revised Statutes chapter 44", "url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/browse-chapters.php?chapter=44" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Nebraska imposes documentary stamp tax on deeds transferring title, not on mortgages. Mortgages carry the same page-based recording fee as deeds and other instruments.", "sources": [ { "label": "Nebraska Revised Statutes §§ 33-109 and 76-901", "url": "https://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=33-109" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NV", "name": "Nevada", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "Nevada licenses escrow entities to complete real-property transactions under escrow instructions.", "sources": [ { "label": "Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 692A", "url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-692a.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Nevada imposes real-property transfer tax on deeds transferring title, not on mortgage debt. Mortgages and deeds of trust are recorded upon payment of statutory recorder fees.", "sources": [ { "label": "Nevada Revised Statutes chapters 247 and 375", "url": "https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/NRS-375.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NH", "name": "New Hampshire", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "New Hampshire recognizes title producers acting as settlement agents and handling closing funds.", "sources": [ { "label": "New Hampshire Insurance Department", "url": "https://www.insurance.nh.gov/consumers/insurance-information/title-insurance" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "New Hampshire expressly exempts a mortgage or other debt-security instrument from real-estate transfer tax. Mortgages remain subject to ordinary registry recording fees.", "sources": [ { "label": "New Hampshire RSA 78-B:2 and 478:17-g", "url": "https://gc.nh.gov/rsa/html/v/78-b/78-b-2.htm" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NJ", "name": "New Jersey", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "New Jersey permits a title company to prepare the settlement statement and conduct settlement functions; an attorney is optional.", "sources": [ { "label": "New Jersey DOBI, Buying a Home", "url": "https://nj.gov/dobi/division_consumers/pdf/buyingahome.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "New Jersey’s Realty Transfer Fee applies to deeds conveying title and expressly excludes a deed used solely to provide or release security for debt. Ordinary county recording fees still apply.", "sources": [ { "label": "New Jersey Division of Taxation, Realty Transfer Fee", "url": "https://nj.gov/treasury/taxation/realty.shtml" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NM", "name": "New Mexico", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "New Mexico regulates title insurers and agents performing escrow and closing services.", "sources": [ { "label": "New Mexico Statutes chapter 59A article 30", "url": "https://nmonesource.com/nmos/nmsa/en/item/4427/index.do" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "New Mexico records mortgages under its general per-document county-clerk fee schedule rather than imposing a tax measured by the mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "New Mexico County Clerk Handbook, §§ 14-8-15 and 14-9-1 NMSA", "url": "https://nmedge.nmsu.edu/documents/Clerks%20Handbook%202024%20FINAL%20Dec%205%202024.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NY", "name": "New York", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "New York reserves the legal work and supervision of a real-estate closing to admitted counsel.", "sources": [ { "label": "New York Judiciary Law § 478", "url": "https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/JUD/478" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "New York imposes a mortgage recording tax when a mortgage on real property in the state is recorded.", "sources": [ { "label": "New York Department of Taxation and Finance, Mortgage recording tax", "url": "https://www.tax.ny.gov/pit/mortgage/mtgidx.htm" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "NC", "name": "North Carolina", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "North Carolina requires a lawyer to provide and control the legal services that make up a residential closing.", "sources": [ { "label": "NC State Bar APO 2002-1", "url": "https://www.ncbar.gov/for-lawyers/ethics/adopted-opinions/authorized-practice-advisory-opinion-2002-1/" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "North Carolina imposes excise tax on instruments conveying an interest in real property, not on mortgage debt. Deeds of trust and mortgages instead carry a fixed statutory recording fee.", "sources": [ { "label": "North Carolina General Statutes § 105-228.30", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/enactedlegislation/statutes/html/bysection/chapter_105/gs_105-228.30.html" }, { "label": "North Carolina General Statutes § 161-10", "url": "https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/BySection/Chapter_161/GS_161-10.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "ND", "name": "North Dakota", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "North Dakota recognizes title insurers and agents providing escrow settlement and closing services.", "sources": [ { "label": "North Dakota Century Code chapter 26.1-20", "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t26-1c20.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "North Dakota places deeds, mortgages, and other real-estate instruments in the same page-based recorder-fee schedule rather than taxing the amount of mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "North Dakota Century Code § 11-18-05", "url": "https://ndlegis.gov/cencode/t11c18.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "OH", "name": "Ohio", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Ohio recognizes title agents performing escrow settlement and closing services.", "sources": [ { "label": "Ohio Revised Code chapter 3953", "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/chapter-3953" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Ohio applies its conveyance tax to the grantor named in a deed. Mortgages are recorded under the county recorder’s instrument-fee schedule rather than a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Ohio Revised Code § 322.02", "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-322.02" }, { "label": "Ohio Revised Code § 317.32", "url": "https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-317.32" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "OK", "name": "Oklahoma", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Oklahoma regulates title agents handling escrow settlement and closing funds without mandating an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Oklahoma Statutes title 36", "url": "https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2019-12/os36.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Oklahoma imposes a mortgage tax that must be paid before a taxable real-property mortgage may be recorded.", "sources": [ { "label": "Oklahoma Statutes title 68, §§ 1901–1910", "url": "https://oksenate.gov/sites/default/files/2022-05/os68.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "OR", "name": "Oregon", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "Oregon licenses escrow agents to deliver funds and documents when written real-property conditions are met.", "sources": [ { "label": "Oregon Revised Statutes chapter 696", "url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors696.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Oregon records mortgages and trust deeds under its general statutory recording-fee framework, including per-page and additional instrument fees, rather than imposing a statewide tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Oregon Revised Statutes §§ 205.130, 205.320 and 205.323", "url": "https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors205.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "PA", "name": "Pennsylvania", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Pennsylvania recognizes title agents performing settlement and closing services without mandating an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Pennsylvania Insurance Department licensing bulletin", "url": "https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/insurance/documents/licensees/beforeyouapply/documents/pa%20insurance%20department%20licensing%20examination%20cib.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Pennsylvania’s realty transfer tax applies when title is transferred by deed or another writing. Recording a mortgage instead incurs recorder-of-deeds fees, not a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, Realty Transfer Tax", "url": "https://www.pa.gov/agencies/revenue/resources/tax-types-and-information/realty-transfer-tax" }, { "label": "Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Fee Law", "url": "https://www.legis.state.pa.us/WU01/LI/LI/US/HTM/1982/0/0087..HTM" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "RI", "name": "Rhode Island", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Rhode Island permits a licensed title insurance agent to conduct a residential closing without providing legal advice or guidance.", "sources": [ { "label": "Rhode Island DBR Insurance Bulletin 2020-8", "url": "https://dbr.ri.gov/sites/g/files/xkgbur696/files/documents/news/insurance/InsuranceBulletin2020-8.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Rhode Island imposes real-estate conveyance tax on instruments transferring an interest to a purchaser. A mortgage instead carries the flat recording fee set by statute, not a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Rhode Island Division of Taxation, Real Estate Conveyance Tax", "url": "https://tax.ri.gov/tax-sections/sales-excise-taxes/real-estate-conveyance-tax" }, { "label": "Rhode Island General Laws § 34-13-7", "url": "https://webserver.rilegislature.gov/statutes/title34/34-13/34-13-7.HTM" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "SC", "name": "South Carolina", "researchedAt": "2026-08-30", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "South Carolina is an attorney-closing state: a licensed attorney has to run the closing.", "sources": [ { "label": "Solverya — South Carolina closing guide", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage/south-carolina" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not extracted into this table yet.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "South Carolina’s value-based deed recording fee applies to the privilege of recording a deed that transfers real estate, not to recording mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "South Carolina Department of Revenue, Deed Recording Fee", "url": "https://dor.sc.gov/index.php/tax-index/deed-recording-fee" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-total", "sourced": true, "summary": "A veteran with a total and permanent service-connected disability may exempt an owned legal residence and its qualifying homesite after securing the county’s legal-residence classification and applying to the South Carolina Department of Revenue through MyDORWAY or Form PT-401I.", "sources": [ { "label": "South Carolina Department of Revenue, Exempt Property", "url": "https://dor.sc.gov/property/exempt-property" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "ownership-only", "sourced": true, "summary": "No current statute was identified requiring a non-owner spouse to sign a mortgage solely because the property is the marital residence. S.C. Code § 30-5-30(B) requires the mortgagor to sign and acknowledge the instrument, and § 21-5-10 abolished curtesy, dower and jointure in 1985 — so the older marital-estate mechanism that many closers still half-remember no longer supplies a veto. Every actual owner still signs.", "sources": [ { "label": "S.C. Code § 21-5-10, abolition of dower and curtesy", "url": "https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t21c005.php" } ] } }, { "code": "SD", "name": "South Dakota", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "No South Dakota law requiring an attorney to preside over an ordinary residential closing was identified. State law and official forms recognise non-attorney closing roles.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, SD", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "negotiated", "sourced": true, "summary": "South Dakota’s official purchase agreements make title-insurance allocation a contract choice, providing blanks for purchaser and seller.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, SD", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "South Dakota’s real-estate transfer fee applies to transfers of title and expressly exempts security-only transfers. Mortgages instead carry the same fixed recording fee as deeds and other instruments.", "sources": [ { "label": "South Dakota Codified Laws §§ 43-4-21 and 43-4-22", "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-4" }, { "label": "South Dakota Codified Laws § 7-9-15", "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/7-9" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A veteran rated permanently and totally disabled from a service-connected disability, or a qualifying surviving spouse, may partially exempt an owner-occupied dwelling; the application goes to the county Director of Equalization by November 1.", "sources": [ { "label": "South Dakota Department of Revenue, Property Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans", "url": "https://dor.sd.gov/calendar/property-tax-exemption-for-disabled-veterans-deadline/" }, { "label": "South Dakota Codified Laws §§ 10-4-40 and 10-4-41", "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/10-4" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "homestead-consent", "sourced": true, "summary": "SDCL 43-31-17 makes a conveyance or encumbrance of a homestead valid if both spouses concur in and execute it, whether by one joint instrument or separate ones. The text turns on homestead status, marriage and both spouses being residents of the state — not on note liability or record title. A narrow exception covers an armed-forces spouse who is officially missing, captured or detained.", "sources": [ { "label": "SDCL chapter 43-31", "url": "https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/43-31" } ] } }, { "code": "TN", "name": "Tennessee", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Tennessee regulates title agents and agencies performing escrow and closing services without mandating an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Tennessee Department of Commerce producer licensing", "url": "https://www.tn.gov/commerce/insurance/agent-producer-resources/licensing-packets-instructions-forms/producer-no-exams.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Tennessee imposes mortgage tax on recording instruments evidencing indebtedness, including mortgages and deeds of trust.", "sources": [ { "label": "Tennessee Department of Revenue, Recordation Tax", "url": "https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/local-taxes/recordation-taxes.html" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "TX", "name": "Texas", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Texas title agents may serve as escrow and settlement agents and disburse closing funds.", "sources": [ { "label": "Texas Insurance Code chapter 2651", "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/IN/htm/IN.2651.htm" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": "negotiated", "sourced": true, "summary": "Texas’s promulgated resale contract requires the parties to select whether the seller or buyer pays for the owner’s title policy.", "sources": [ { "label": "TREC One to Four Family Residential Contract (Resale)", "url": "https://www.trec.texas.gov/forms/one-four-family-residential-contract-resale" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Texas records mortgages and other real-property instruments under statutory county filing and recording fees rather than imposing a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Texas Local Government Code §§ 118.011 and 118.013", "url": "https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/lg/pdf/lg.118.pdf" }, { "label": "Denton County real-property recording fee schedule", "url": "https://www.dentoncounty.gov/322/Real-Property-Recording-Fee-Schedule" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "UT", "name": "Utah", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Utah licenses title producers and escrow officers to perform title and escrow closing functions.", "sources": [ { "label": "Utah Code § 31A-23a-204", "url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title31A/Chapter23A/31A-23a-S204.html" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Utah charges a fixed statutory county-recorder fee for recording an instrument rather than a tax measured by the mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Utah Code §§ 17-21-18 and 17-21-18.5", "url": "https://le.utah.gov/xcode/Title17/Chapter21/C17-21_1800010118000101.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "VT", "name": "Vermont", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "Vermont reserves title examination and the legal completion of a real-estate conveyance to counsel.", "sources": [ { "label": "Vermont Bar Association real-estate ethics opinions", "url": "https://www.vtbar.org/advisory_ethics/real-estate-transactions/" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Vermont’s property transfer tax applies to a deed transferring title. Recording a mortgage deed instead carries the town clerk’s statutory per-page fee, not a tax measured by mortgage debt.", "sources": [ { "label": "Vermont Department of Taxes, Form PTT-172 instructions", "url": "https://tax.vermont.gov/sites/tax/files/documents/PTT-172%20Instr-2024.pdf" }, { "label": "32 V.S.A. § 1671", "url": "https://legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/32/017/01671" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "VA", "name": "Virginia", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Virginia authorizes licensed settlement agents including qualifying non-attorney title entities.", "sources": [ { "label": "Virginia Real Estate Settlement Agents Act", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacodepopularnames/real-estate-settlement-agents-act/" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": true, "sourced": true, "summary": "Virginia imposes state recordation tax on deeds of trust and mortgages, subject to statutory exceptions.", "sources": [ { "label": "Virginia Code § 58.1-803", "url": "https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title58.1/subtitleI/chapter8/section58.1-803/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "WA", "name": "Washington", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "escrow", "sourced": true, "summary": "Washington licenses escrow agents to carry out written instructions and complete settlement.", "sources": [ { "label": "WAC 208-680-540", "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=208-680-540" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Washington’s real-estate excise tax applies to sales of real property; the Department of Revenue expressly excludes mortgages and deeds of trust from the affidavit process. Mortgages instead incur statutory instrument-recording fees.", "sources": [ { "label": "Washington Department of Revenue, Real estate excise tax", "url": "https://dor.wa.gov/taxes-rates/other-taxes/real-estate-excise-tax" }, { "label": "RCW 36.18.010 and 65.04.030", "url": "https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=65.04.030" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "WV", "name": "West Virginia", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "attorney", "sourced": true, "summary": "West Virginia requires a licensed attorney to supervise and control the legal work of a real-estate closing.", "sources": [ { "label": "West Virginia State Bar Advisory Opinion 2010-002", "url": "https://www.wvbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Advisory-Opinion-2010-002-updated-6-3-15.pdf" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "West Virginia’s value-based excise tax applies to the privilege of transferring title to real estate. A trust deed or other real-estate security instrument instead carries the fixed statutory recording fee.", "sources": [ { "label": "West Virginia Code § 11-22-2", "url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/11-22-2/" }, { "label": "West Virginia Code § 59-1-10", "url": "https://code.wvlegislature.gov/59-1-10/" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "WI", "name": "Wisconsin", "researchedAt": "2026-08-29", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Wisconsin recognizes title and settlement providers conducting closings without mandating an attorney.", "sources": [ { "label": "Wisconsin Statutes chapter 628", "url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/628" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the closing-conductor priority pass.", "sources": [] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "Wisconsin’s real-estate transfer fee applies to conveyances of ownership interests, while a conveyance solely providing or releasing security for debt is expressly exempt. Mortgages remain subject to ordinary recording fees.", "sources": [ { "label": "Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Real Estate Transfer Fee", "url": "https://www.revenue.wi.gov/dorreports/25sumrpt.pdf" }, { "label": "Wisconsin Statutes § 59.43", "url": "https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/59/iv/43" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the veteran property-tax-relief pass.", "sources": [] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "Not researched in the spousal-consent pass. This is an absence of research, not a finding that no rule exists.", "sources": [] } }, { "code": "WY", "name": "Wyoming", "researchedAt": "2026-08-28", "closingConductor": { "value": "title-or-settlement-agent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Wyoming is not an identified attorney-closing state. The Department of Insurance licenses title agents and treats the title insurer and the closing agent as ordinary — and possibly separate — participants.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, WY", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "ownersTitlePaidBy": { "value": null, "sourced": false, "summary": "No statute, regulator publication or statewide form assigning the owner’s premium to buyer or seller was found. The purchase contract controls.", "sources": [ { "label": "Primary-source closing mechanics research, WY", "url": "https://solverya.com/mortgage" } ] }, "mortgageRecordingTax": { "value": false, "sourced": true, "summary": "No Wyoming state tax measured by mortgage debt was identified. State law records deeds, mortgages, and other instruments under the county clerk’s general page-based recording charges; local charges still require transaction-level confirmation.", "sources": [ { "label": "Wyoming Statutes § 18-3-402", "url": "https://www.wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title18.pdf" } ] }, "veteranPropertyTaxRelief": { "value": "exemption-partial", "sourced": true, "summary": "A qualifying wartime, campaign-medal, or compensably disabled veteran with at least three years of Wyoming residency, or a qualifying surviving spouse, may reduce the assessed value of a principal residence by filing with the county assessor by the fourth Monday in May.", "sources": [ { "label": "Wyoming Department of Revenue, Veteran's Property Tax Exemption Program", "url": "https://wyo-prop-div.wyo.gov/tax-relief" }, { "label": "Wyoming Statutes § 39-13-105", "url": "https://wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title39.pdf" } ] }, "spousalConsent": { "value": "homestead-consent", "sourced": true, "summary": "Wyoming Constitution article 19, § 9 bars alienation of a homestead without the joint consent of both spouses, and Wyo. Stat. § 34-2-121 makes it concrete: the instrument must contain a waiver of homestead-exemption rights, freely signed and acknowledged by the owner and the owner’s spouse. The single express exception is a conveyance directly between the spouses, which is not a refinance exception. The trigger is homestead status and marriage, not liability on the loan.", "sources": [ { "label": "Wyo. Stat. § 34-2-121", "url": "https://www.wyoleg.gov/statutes/compress/title34.pdf" } ] } } ] }