Key Takeaways
- Kansas uses both attorneys and title companies for closings, with practices varying by region
- Title insurance protects against defects in title and is typically required by lenders
- Kansas deed types include General Warranty, Special Warranty, Quitclaim, and Kansas Statutory Warranty Deed
- Closing costs are negotiable but traditionally split between buyer and seller per local custom
- Property taxes in Kansas are paid in arrears, affecting proration at closing
Last updated: January 2026
Kansas Title and Closing
Closing procedures in Kansas involve transferring title from seller to buyer. Understanding the process, documents, and costs is essential for real estate practice.
Kansas Closing Practices
Who Handles Closings?
| Region | Common Practice |
|---|---|
| Urban areas | Title companies |
| Rural areas | Attorneys more common |
| Either option | Legal in all counties |
Closing Location
| Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Title company office | Most common |
| Attorney's office | Common in some areas |
| Lender's office | Occasionally |
| Remote/mail-away | For out-of-state parties |
Types of Deeds
General Warranty Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Warranties | Against all defects, past and present |
| Protection | Maximum buyer protection |
| Use | Most sales transactions |
Warranties Included:
| Warranty | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Covenant of seisin | Grantor owns the property |
| Covenant against encumbrances | No undisclosed liens |
| Covenant of quiet enjoyment | Buyer won't be disturbed |
| Covenant of warranty | Grantor will defend title |
Special Warranty Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Warranties | Only during grantor's ownership |
| Protection | Limited |
| Use | REO sales, commercial |
Quitclaim Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Warranties | None |
| Protection | No protection |
| Use | Clearing title, family transfers |
Kansas Statutory Warranty Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Warranties | Statutory language |
| Protection | Similar to general warranty |
| Use | Simplified Kansas form |
Title Insurance
Types of Policies
| Policy | Protects | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Owner's policy | Buyer | Defects in title |
| Lender's policy | Mortgage company | Lender's interest only |
What Title Insurance Covers
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Forged documents | Known defects |
| Recording errors | Survey issues (unless endorsed) |
| Undisclosed heirs | Government regulations |
| Fraud in chain of title | Environmental hazards |
Who Pays for Title Insurance?
| Negotiable | Traditional (varies) |
|---|---|
| Any agreement | Seller often pays owner's |
| Per contract | Buyer pays lender's |
| Split costs | Local customs vary |
Closing Costs
Typical Seller Costs
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| Broker commission | Per listing agreement |
| Owner's title policy | If customary |
| Prorated taxes | If prepaid |
| Documentary stamps | On deed |
| Mortgage payoff | Existing loan balance |
Typical Buyer Costs
| Cost | Description |
|---|---|
| Lender's title policy | Required by lender |
| Loan origination | Lender fees |
| Appraisal | Lender requirement |
| Prorated taxes | If paid in arrears |
| Recording fees | Deed and mortgage |
| Prepaid items | Insurance, escrows |
Property Tax Proration
Kansas Property Taxes
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Paid in arrears | Due after tax year ends |
| Due dates | December 20 and May 10 |
| Proration | Seller owes for period of ownership |
Proration Example
| Factor | Calculation |
|---|---|
| Annual tax | $3,600 |
| Daily rate | $3,600 / 365 = $9.86/day |
| Seller owned 200 days | 200 x $9.86 = $1,972 |
| Seller credit to buyer | $1,972 |
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Test Your Knowledge
Which type of deed provides the most protection to the buyer?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
In Kansas, property taxes are typically:
A
B
C
D