Grundy County Recorder Information

About Grundy County Recorder

The County Recorder is responsible for recording and maintaining records related to real property located in Grundy County.

Recording Fees

To record a deed or contract for deed, the fee is $12 for the first page (includes auditor's fee). Each additional page is $5.

Multiple assignments or releases in a document are $7 per reference after the first.

A combined document is $7 per transaction after the first.

The auditor’s transfer fee is $5 per parcel after the first.

The real estate revenue stamp tax is $ 0.80 per $500 or fraction thereof of consideration. The first $500 is exempt.

Non-standard documents will be charged an additional $10.

Note that recording fees are subject to change. Please verify the information with the local recorder's office.

Document Formatting Requirements

• Documents shall consist of one or more individual pages not permanently bound or in a continuous form. Attachments should not be stapled or otherwise affixed to a page; however, the individual pages of an instrument may be stapled for presentation for recording.

• Paper should be white, of standard weight, and free from any visible watermarks or inclusions.

• All pre-printed text should be in at least 8 point font. All other text typed or computer generated should be at least 10 point. All text should be in dark black or blue ink.

• The first page should have a top margin of at least 3 inches. This area should be left blank for the recorder’s use. All other margins should be a minimum of ¾ of an inch. Non-essential information including but not limited to form numbers, page numbers, or customer notations may be placed in the margins, but not in the top margin.

• Documents should be of sufficient legibility to produce a clear reproduction.

• All signatures in the document should be in dark black or blue ink. The corresponding name should be typed, printed, or stamped underneath the signature.

• Below the 3-inch top margin, the following information should appear: the name, address, and telephone number of the individual who prepared the document; the name of the taxpayer and a complete mailing address; a return address; a document title; all grantors’ names; all grantees’ names; any address required by statute; the legal description of the real property and a parcel identification number, if required; and a document or instrument number for statutory requirements, if applicable.

• If insufficient space is on the first page for the required information, the page reference of the document where the information is located should be noted on the first page.

• The grantor must sign the document, and his/her signature must be acknowledged.

• The total consideration for the real property should be listed in the document.

• A person interested in transferring real property shall deliver a written disclosure statement to the person interested in being transferred the real property.

• A legal description should be included with a deed submitted for recording. The legal description can be found on your land abstract or on the County GIS mapping website, which can be accessed from the Grundy County website. Additionally, visit the Auditor’s office for further assistance.

A Declaration of Value form reflecting the full consideration paid in certain non-exempt real estate conveyances should be submitted to the County Recorder when a deed, contract, instrument, or other writing is presented for recording. The Declaration of Value form can be found on the Iowa Department of Revenue website.

A Groundwater Hazard form shall be completed by the transferor and submitted with the deed. This form will be filed with the recorder. The Department of Natural Resources does not approve or disapprove of transfers based on the Groundwater Hazard form.