MBE Rules · Real Property
Wild Deeds
Wild deeds
The rule
A recorded deed outside the chain of title (from a grantor whose own deed was unrecorded) gives no constructive notice, so a later purchaser from the record owner prevails.
In plain English
Wild deeds are deeds that are recorded but do not connect to the chain of title because the grantor's prior deed was never recorded. As a result, a later purchaser who buys from the record owner and relies on the public records is not considered to have notice of the wild deed, and thus prevails in ownership.
Worked example
Alice sells her property to Bob, but Bob never records his deed. Later, Alice sells the same property to Carol, who records her deed. Since Bob's deed is a wild deed and does not connect to the chain of title, Carol, as the later purchaser, prevails over Bob.
Memory hook
Wild deeds are out of the loop; they can't claim the prize!
The trap
Exams may present scenarios where students must identify whether a deed is wild or part of the chain of title, often including similar names or confusing timelines to mislead.
How examiners test it
Questions typically involve multiple transactions and require candidates to determine the validity of ownership based on the recording status of deeds and the chain of title.
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