A deed is a writing by which lands, tenements or hereditaments are 'conveyed, sealed and delivered. It must be written or printed on parchment or paper; the parties must be competent to contract; there must be a proper object to grant; a sufficient consideration; an agreement properly declared; if desired, it must have been read to the party executing it; it must be signed and sealed; attested by witnesses, in the absence of any statute regulation to the contrary, properly acknowledged before a competent officer; and recorded within the time and in the office prescribed by the State within executed.

The maker of a deed is the grantor; the party to whom it is delivered the grantee. If the grantor have a wife, she must, in the absence of a statute to the contrary, sign and acknowledge the deed; otherwise, after the husband's death, she may claim the use of one-third, during her life.

By a general warranty deed the grantor covenants to insure the lands against all persons whatsoever; by a special warranty deed he warrants only against himself and those claiming under him. In deeds made by executors, administrators or guardians there is generally no warranty A quit-claim deed releases all the interest which the grantor has in the land, whatever it may be.

A deed of trust is given to a person called a trustee, to hold in fee simple, or otherwise, for the use of some other person who is entitled to the proceeds, profits or use.

A deed may be made void by alterations made in it after its execution; by the disagreement of the parties whose concurrence is necessary; or by the judgment of a competent tribunal.

Interlineations or erasures in a deed, made before signing, should be mentioned in a note, and witnessed in proper form. After the acknowledgement of a deed the parties have no right to make the slightest alteration. An alteration of a deed after execution, if made in favor of the grantee, vitiates the deed. If altered before delivery, such alteration destroys the deed as to the party altering it.

Abstracts of titles are brief accounts of all the deeds upon which titles rest, and judgments and instruments affecting such titles.

The evidences of title are usually conveyances, wills, orders or decrees of courts, judgments, judicial sales, sales by officers appointed by law, acts of the Legislature and of Congress.

Don't accept a deed unless all the following conditions are complied with: 1. It must be signed, sealed and witnessed. 2. Interlineations must be mentioned in the certificate of acknowledgement. 3. All the partners must join in a deed from a partnership. 4. A deed from a corporation should bear the corporate seal and be signed by officers designated in the resolution of the directors authorizing it. 5. A deed from a married woman should be joined in by the husband. 6. A deed from an executor should recite his power of sale. 7. The consideration must be expressed.

Don't deed property to your wife direct. A deed to your wife does not cut off obligations contracted previously.

Don't pay consideration money on a conveyance of real estate until the record has been searched to the moment of passing title, and unless you know of your own knowledge that no judgments, mortgages or tax liens are outstanding against the property.

Don't delay in having a deed or mortgage recorded.

Don't attempt to give a better title than you have yourself.