The words of conveyance

Form deeds used in real estate transactions conform to validity requirements by containing words of conveyance, and provisions for the identification of the parties and a description of the real estate.

They are also of suitable size and format to permit the document to be notarized and recorded.  [See RPI Form 404 and 405]

To be valid, the transfer of an ownership interest in real estate needs to be in writing, except for:

  • an estate at will or a lease for a term not exceeding one year [Calif. Civil Code §1091];
  • an executed (partially or fully performed) oral agreement under which the buyer takes possession of the property and makes payments toward the purchase price or makes valuable improvements on the property; or
  • adverse possession.