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Real estate glossaryNational exam concept

Recordation

Recordation is filing an eligible real estate instrument in the appropriate public land records so it becomes part of the chain of title and provides the notice and priority effects given by law.

Exam area: Transfer of Title

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What does “recordation” mean in real estate?

Recordation is filing an eligible real estate instrument in the appropriate public land records so it becomes part of the chain of title and provides the notice and priority effects given by law.

How is “recordation” different from the closest wrong answer?

Delivery and acceptance make a valid deed effective between the parties. Recording protects against later claims and supplies public notice but is not a substitute for valid execution and delivery.

What is the Georgia-specific rule?

Georgia instruments are recorded through the clerk of superior court in the county where the land lies and are indexed through the statewide real estate system.

Worked exam example

Scenario

After the attorney closing, the signed and attested deed is filed in the county's real estate records and indexed under the parties' names.

What is the most common exam trap?

Trap correction

First signed and first recorded are different facts. Priority questions require the recording statute and notice facts.

Original exam check

Apply the definition

On Monday, an owner sells a vacant lot to Buyer A, who does not record. On Wednesday, the owner sells the same lot to Buyer B, who pays value, knows nothing of the first sale, and records that day. Who likely has priority?

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Related terms to learn next

Constructive notice

Constructive notice is knowledge the law imputes to a person because information was properly recorded in public records or because visible possession or conditions would prompt reasonable inquiry.

Actual notice

Actual notice is direct, personal knowledge of a fact, claim, right, or condition, whether learned through documents, conversation, observation, or another source.

Deed

A deed is a written instrument by which a grantor conveys an interest in real property to a grantee.

Marketable title

Marketable title is title reasonably free from substantial doubt, material defects, and probable litigation, such that a prudent purchaser would accept it under the contract.

Recommended next complete lesson

Continue with Transfer of Title complete lesson. It places this term inside the full rule, worked examples, exam traps, and mixed practice required for mastery.
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