The basic mechanism by which real estate is transferred is a deed. In order to be effective, a deed must adequately (and accurately) describe the property being conveyed, and it must identify the person making the transfer, and the person receiving it. In addition, the deed must be signed and delivered to the recipient. In most jurisdictions, there is an additional step: the deed must be recorded. The reason for recording is that most jurisdictions maintain “Official Records” which list the parties to a transfer of real property. This is very important, because it enables owners to be “registered” on the official records and to give notice to the world that a piece of property has changed hands.

In Cayuga County you must file the Deed along with an RP-5217 and TP-584 with the County Clerk. The fee to file a deed is $40.00 plus $5.00 per page, the RP-5217 is $125.00 and the TP-584 is $5.00. These are typically the buyer's expense.

The seller must pay deed stamps which are claimed on the TP-584. The cost of Deeds Stamps is the $2.00 for every $500.00 of the purchase Price.