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The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining real property records in Cerro Gordo County.
Recording Fees
Documents that do not meet the requirements will be considered nonstandard.
Nonstandard documents will be an additional $10.
To record a document, the fee is $7 for the first page and $5 for each additional page, plus a $5 Auditor’s transfer fee per parcel. The Auditor’s transfer fee shall not exceed $50 per instrument.
An instrument that releases or assigns multiple mortgages or leases is $7 for the first page, and $5 for each additional page and $7 per additional transaction.
County recording fees are subject to change without notice. For the most current fees and further information, contact the local recording office directly.
Document Formatting Requirements
Iowa has adopted Document Formatting Standards in order to comply with national standards.
• All documents must consist of one or more individual pages with printing on one side only. A page should be 8.5x11 inches or 8.5x14 inches. Paper should be white, of 20 pound weight, and free from watermarks or inclusions. A document may be stapled for presentation for recording.
• All pre-printed text should be at least 8 point font. All other typed or computer generated text should be at least 10 point font.
• The first page should have a top margin of at least 3 inches. This is to be left blank for recording purposes. All other margins should be at least ¾ of an inch. Non-essential information such as page numbers or customer notations may be placed in the margins, except for the top margin.
• Signatures should be in black or dark blue ink and of sufficient color and clarity to ensure that the document is readable when reproduced.
• Names should be typed, printed, or stamped beneath signatures in the document.
• The following information should be on the first page below the 3-inch margin: the name, address, and telephone number of the individual who prepared the document; the name of the taxpayer and a complete mailing address; return address; the title of the document; all grantors’ names; all grantees’ names; any address required by statute; and a legal description of the property and a parcel identification number. If there is not sufficient space for this information on the first page, the page reference of the document where the information can be located should be on the first page.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
The consideration paid should be listed on the document of conveyance.
A person interested in transferring real property shall deliver a written disclosure statement to the person who is being transferred the real property. The disclosure statement may be recorded with the deed.
Real estate transfer tax is due on conveyances of property at the time of recording. A Declaration of Value form should be submitted with a real estate transfer. This can be printed off of the Iowa Department of Revenue webpage.
A Groundwater Hazard statement is required for transfers of real property. This can be obtained from the Cerro Gordo County Recorder’s webpage.