Grantor

In depth

The grantor is the person or entity conveying an interest in real property. In a sale, the grantor is the seller. In a gift deed, the grantor is the donor. The grantor's name and signature appear on the deed and must be properly notarized for the deed to be recordable. Misconception: a grantor is not necessarily the original owner; any holder of an interest can be a grantor. Practically, in seller-financed transactions, the grantor at closing depends on the structure. In a purchase money mortgage, the seller is grantor and the buyer is grantee at closing. In a contract for deed, the seller remains the recorded title holder until payoff, when they finally become the grantor on a warranty deed. Always confirm the grantor's authority and marital status before recording.