Wild Deed
Definition and meaning of Wild Deed in real estate.
A wild deed is a signed and recorded property deed that is not connected to the property's chain of title because a previous link in the ownership chain was never recorded. This omission creates a break in the public records, making the wild deed difficult to find during a standard title search.
In more detail
Chain of title is the chronological record of property ownership transfers. If a seller fails to record their deed and then subsequently sells the property to someone else, the new buyer's deed becomes a wild deed. Because it is out of sequence, a standard name index search might not reveal the document.
This can lead to ownership disputes, difficulty securing a mortgage, or issues when trying to sell the property. Buying title insurance is the best way to protect against losses from these unrecorded claims.
Key facts
| Category | Legal, Titles & Closing |
|---|---|
| Key risk | Ownership disputes and inability to secure a mortgage |
| Protection method | Lender's and owner's title insurance policies |
| How it is resolved | Tracking down the missing deeds and recording them in the proper sequence |
A buyer purchases a home only to discover that the seller's grandfather never recorded the deed transferring the property to the seller, making the current deed a wild deed.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a wild deed a problem?
A wild deed does not give constructive notice to future buyers. This means a subsequent purchaser who records their deed correctly could be recognized as the legal owner over you.
How do you fix a wild deed?
To fix a wild deed, you must locate the unrecorded deed that caused the break in the chain of title and record it. If the previous owners cannot be found, you may need to file a quiet title lawsuit.