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Transfer Of PropertyRecording_and_taxesMEDIUM

A buyer purchases a property that was previously sold at a California county tax sale. Which of the following best describes the quality of title conveyed by a tax deed?

Correct Answer

B) A tax deed conveys title free of most pre-existing liens and encumbrances, though certain interests may survive; title insurance is strongly recommended

Under California Revenue and Taxation Code §3712, a tax deed conveys title free of most liens, judgments, and encumbrances that existed prior to the tax sale, because the property tax lien holds priority over most other claims. However, certain interests — such as recorded easements and some governmental liens — may survive the tax sale. Because of this residual risk, buyers should obtain title insurance to protect against surviving claims or title defects not apparent from the public record.

Answer Options
A
A tax deed conveys title with the same implied warranties as a grant deed, including protection against all prior claims
B
A tax deed conveys title free of most pre-existing liens and encumbrances, though certain interests may survive; title insurance is strongly recommended
C
A tax deed conveys only a leasehold interest until the former owner's redemption period has fully expired
D
A tax deed conveys fee simple title only if the former owner formally waives their right of redemption in writing

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Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

tax_saletax_deedtitle_qualityrecordingRev_Tax_Code_3707

Related Concepts

A general warranty deed provides the greatest protection to the grantee by guaranteeing that the grantor holds clear title and has the right to sell the property. It includes covenants that protect against all defects in title, even those arising before the grantor owned the property.

Intestate succession is the legal process by which a deceased person's property is distributed according to state law when they die without a valid will. State statutes determine the order of inheritance.

Marketable title is title that is free from reasonable doubt as to who the owner is and free from liens, encumbrances, or defects that would cause a reasonable buyer to hesitate before purchasing. It is also known as merchantable title.

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