Key Takeaways
- Missouri is a title insurance state where title companies search and insure title
- Closings in Missouri are typically handled by title companies or attorneys
- Missouri uses both warranty deeds and quitclaim deeds for property transfers
- Recording with the county recorder gives constructive notice of ownership
- Prorations at closing divide expenses between buyer and seller
Last updated: January 2026
Title and Closing in Missouri
Missouri follows title insurance practices common in many states, with closings typically handled by title companies or attorneys.
Title Insurance
Types of Title Policies
| Policy Type | Protects | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Owner's policy | Buyer/owner | Defects in seller's title |
| Lender's policy | Mortgage lender | Lender's security interest |
What Title Insurance Covers
| Covered | Not Covered |
|---|---|
| Forged documents | Known defects not disclosed |
| Recording errors | Zoning violations |
| Undisclosed heirs | Building code violations |
| Prior liens | Environmental issues |
| Fraud | Survey matters (unless extended) |
Title Search Process
- Examine public records
- Identify liens and encumbrances
- Review chain of title
- Issue title commitment
- Clear exceptions before closing
- Issue title policy after closing
Types of Deeds
Warranty Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Best for buyer | Provides most protection |
| Covenants | Seller guarantees title |
| Use | Most residential sales |
Special Warranty Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Limited warranty | Only for seller's ownership period |
| Use | Commercial, foreclosures |
| Protection | Less than general warranty |
Quitclaim Deed
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| No warranty | Transfers only what seller has |
| Use | Family transfers, clearing title |
| Protection | None |
Missouri Closing Process
Who Handles Closings
In Missouri, closings are typically handled by:
| Entity | Role |
|---|---|
| Title companies | Most common, search and insure |
| Attorneys | Review documents, legal advice |
| Escrow companies | Hold funds and documents |
Closing Documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Deed | Transfers ownership |
| Settlement statement | Itemizes costs |
| Loan documents | Mortgage, note (if financing) |
| Affidavits | Various certifications |
| Title policy | Insurance commitment |
Recording
Purpose of Recording
Recording with the county recorder provides:
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Constructive notice | World is on notice |
| Priority | Earlier recording has priority |
| Chain of title | Creates ownership history |
| Public record | Anyone can search |
Recording Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Original document | Signed and notarized |
| Recording fee | Paid to county |
| Proper form | Meet county standards |
Prorations at Closing
Items Typically Prorated
| Item | How Prorated |
|---|---|
| Property taxes | Day of closing |
| HOA dues | Monthly prorata |
| Insurance | If assumed |
| Rent | If tenant occupied |
| Utilities | Final readings |
Proration Methods
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| 360-day year | 30-day months (common) |
| 365-day year | Actual days |
| Day of closing | Usually seller's day |
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Test Your Knowledge
Which type of deed provides the greatest protection for a buyer in Missouri?
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B
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D
Test Your Knowledge
What is the primary purpose of recording a deed in Missouri?
A
B
C
D