A deed is a record of ownership for a piece of real estate such as land or a home. They are kept in the Land Records Department. Every Maryland County and City have a Land Records Department located in that county’s circuit court. Deeds and other documents stored in land records are open to the public.  

A deed to a property is a legal document that establishes ownership and transfers title from one party (the grantor) to another (the grantee) and records ownership for a piece of real estate such as land or a home. It contains information about the parties involved in the transfer, the property itself, and the terms of the transfer.  

The deed is signed by the grantor and often requires a witness or notary public to validate the document. Once the deed is executed, it is typically recorded in the local county records to provide public notice of the change in ownership. 

Types of Property Deeds in Maryland

There are several types of deeds, including warranty deeds, quitclaim deeds, and trust deeds, each serving different purposes and offering different levels of protection to the buyer. 

Warranty Deed 

A warranty deed, often used in real estate sales, promises that the grantor has clear title to the property and has the right to sell it. The warranty deed guarantees that the property is free of debts or legal claims. If it turns out there are claims or debts, the grantee can sue the grantor for damages. 

Quitclaim Deed 

A quitclaim deed, on the other hand, makes no guarantees about the title. It simply transfers any ownership interest the grantor may have in the property to the grantee. It's often used in cases where the ownership is unclear or in dispute, or in transfers between family members. 

Trust Deed 

A trust deed, also known as a deed of trust, is a different type of instrument. It's used in some states as an alternative to a mortgage. In a trust deed, the borrower (the trustor) transfers the title of the property to a neutral third party called a trustee until the loan is paid off. The lender is known as the beneficiary. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the trustee can sell the property on behalf of the lender. Once the loan is fully paid, the trustee reconveys the property back to the borrower. 

Obtaining a deed to your property in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, involves accessing the state's land records. The Maryland Judiciary, the 24 elected Court Clerks of Maryland, and the Maryland State Archives have partnered to provide up-to-date access to all verified land record instruments in Maryland through a service called MDLANDREC. This service is currently provided at no charge to individuals who apply for a username and password. Once you have an account, you can access the land records, including deeds, online. 

There are two ways to get a copy of your deed: online and in person at a circuit court. 

Get Your Deed Online 

To get your deed online, you can use the website mdlandrec.net. This website is free to use, but you must create an account using your name and email address. You can search for your deed by first selecting the county where the property is located, then selecting individual search, typing in your first and last name, and pressing search. You will see a list of properties bought and sold by people with that name. You can view and print any of these documents.  

Pick Up a Copy of Your Deed in the Circuit Court 

The second way to get a copy of your deed is to go to the circuit court in the Maryland county where the property is located. Once inside the courthouse, proceed to the Land Records Department and tell the clerk that you need a copy of your deed. Some courthouses may also have a computer terminal where you can look for the deed yourself. You may request a copy of the deed and other documents from the Land Records Department, but you will be charged a fee based on the number of pages. 

For more information about land records, you can visit the webpage mdcourts.gov legal help land records. 

The information provided herein is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or detailed statement concerning the matters addressed, legal or otherwise. The content is provided "as is," with no representations or warranties, express or implied.  The information may not be up-to-date or applicable to your specific circumstances. Laws and regulations change frequently, and their interpretations can vary widely. Therefore, you should not act, or refrain from acting, based upon any information contained herein without seeking professional legal advice.  If you need assistance with real estate matters, including obtaining a deed to a property, you should consult with a qualified real estate attorney or appropriate government official who can provide guidance based on current laws and regulations and your specific circumstances.