EstatePass
Property Ownership TransferRecording_nyMEDIUM

Lisa receives a quitclaim deed from her uncle for property in Rochester. The deed is notarized but Lisa never records it. Two years later, her uncle sells the same property to Mark, who records his warranty deed immediately. Mark had no knowledge of Lisa's deed. Who has superior title under New York law?

Correct Answer

D) Mark, because he recorded first and was a bona fide purchaser

Under New York's race-notice recording statute, Mark has superior title. As a bona fide purchaser who paid value, had no notice of Lisa's unrecorded deed, and recorded first, Mark's rights are protected even though Lisa received her deed earlier.

Answer Options
A
Lisa, because she received her deed first in time
B
Mark, because warranty deeds automatically supersede quitclaim deeds
C
Lisa, because a quitclaim deed has priority over a warranty deed
D
Mark, because he recorded first and was a bona fide purchaser

Why This Is the Correct Answer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Deep Analysis of This Property Ownership Transfer Question

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Background Knowledge for Property Ownership Transfer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis
Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Real World Application in Property Ownership Transfer

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Property Ownership Transfer Questions

Sign up free to unlock full analysis

Related Topics & Key Terms

Key Terms:

bona_fide_purchaserunrecorded_deedquitclaim_deedrecording_priority

Related Concepts

Probate is the legal process by which a deceased person's will is validated by the court and their estate is administered, including the transfer of real property to the named beneficiaries or heirs.

A quitclaim deed transfers whatever interest the grantor may have in a property without making any warranties or guarantees about the quality of title. It offers the least protection to the grantee.

Recording is the act of placing a document in the public records at the county recorder's office to give constructive notice to the world of an interest in real property. Recording protects the holder's interest against subsequent claims.

Was this explanation helpful?

More Property Ownership Transfer Questions

People Also Study

Related Articles

Practice More Questions

Access 2,000+ practice questions and pass your real estate exam.

Start Practicing