Pure Race

In depth

Pure race jurisdictions, including North Carolina and Louisiana, award priority strictly to whoever records first. Knowledge of an earlier unrecorded transfer is irrelevant. Misconception: pure race is not common; only a handful of states use it. Practically, pure race is brutally efficient: speed of recording determines ownership. Even a clearly fraudulent later buyer who records first can prevail over an earlier honest buyer who delayed recording. In seller-financed deals in pure race states, the parties must rush deeds and memoranda to the courthouse, often using overnight messengers or e-recording services. Always confirm whether your state is race, notice, or race-notice before closing, because the strategy and timing differ significantly.