Shorts
You Don't Need an Agent or a Lawyer to Buy Land in Arkansas. You Do Need This.
Arkansas does not require an attorney for a deed transfer, and small rural parcels are commonly sold directly by the owner. What the law does require: the seller's signature notarized and the deed filed with the county circuit clerk, because an unrecorded deed can lose to someone who records first.
Transcript
Folks, do you need an agent or a lawyer to buy land in Arkansas? No. Arkansas does not require an attorney for a deed transfer, and small rural parcels are commonly sold directly by the owner. Here is what the law does require: the seller's signature notarized, and the deed filed with the county circuit clerk. If the deed is not recorded, someone else could record one to the same property and have a stronger claim. An agent is optional. Recording the deed is not. Address on screen.
Sources
- Legal Aid of Arkansas, Arkansas Law Help - warranty deeds (no attorney required, notarization, recording at the circuit clerk, and what happens if a deed is never recorded)
- Arkansas Code 14-15-404 - effect of recording instruments affecting title to property (an unrecorded deed is not valid against a later purchaser for value without notice)
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