558A.1 Definitions.
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/ia/chapter-558a-real-estate-disclosures/558a-1·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. “Agent” means an individual designated by a transferee to accept delivery of a disclosure statement from a transferor.
2. “Broker” means a real estate broker licensed pursuant to chapter 543B.
3. “Commission” means the real estate commission created pursuant to section 543B.8.
4. “Lead service line” means a service line which is made of lead. A galvanized service line is considered a lead service line if the line ever was or is currently downstream of any lead service line or service line of unknown material. For the purposes of this subsection, “downstream” means the section of the service line between a lead service line and the water meter.
5. “Salesperson” means a salesperson licensed pursuant to chapter 543B.
6. “Service line” means the pipe connecting the water main to the interior plumbing in a building. For the purposes of this subsection, “service line” includes the pipe from the water main to the water meter, not including interior plumbing.
7. “Transfer” means the transfer or conveyance by sale, exchange, real estate contract, or any other method by which real estate and improvements are purchased, if the property includes at least one but not more than four dwelling units. However, a transfer does not include any of the following:
a. A transfer made pursuant to a court order, including but not limited to a transfer under chapter 633 or 633A, the execution of a judgment, the foreclosure of a real estate mortgage pursuant to chapter 654, the forfeiture of a real estate contract under chapter 656, a transfer by a trustee in bankruptcy, a transfer by eminent domain, or a transfer resulting from a decree for specific performance.
b. A transfer to a mortgagee by a mortgagor or successor in interest who is in default, a transfer by a mortgagee who has acquired real property as a result of a deed in lieu of foreclosure or has acquired real property under chapter 654 or 655A, or a transfer back to a mortgagor exercising a right of first refusal pursuant to section 654.16A.
c. A transfer by a fiduciary in the course of the administration of a decedent’s estate, guardianship, conservatorship, or trust. This exemption shall not apply to a transfer of real estate in which the fiduciary is a living natural person and was an occupant in possession of the real estate at any time within the twelve consecutive months immediately preceding the date of transfer.
d. A transfer between joint tenants or tenants in common.
e. A transfer made to a spouse, or to a person within the third degree of consanguinity or affinity of a person making the transfer.
f. A transfer between spouses resulting from a decree of dissolution of marriage, a decree of legal separation, or a property settlement agreement which is incidental to the decree, including a decree ordered pursuant to chapter 598.
g. A transfer to or from the state, a political subdivision of the state, another state, or the United States.
h. A transfer by quitclaim deed.
i. A transfer by a power of attorney.
8. “Transferee” means a person who is acquiring real property as provided in an instrument containing the power to transfer real estate, including an instrument described in section 558.1.
9. “Transferor” means a person who is transferring real property as provided in an instrument containing the power to transfer real estate, including an instrument described in section 558.1. 2017 Acts, ch 71, §14, 15; 2020 Acts, ch 1046, §1, 2; 2025 Acts, ch 144, §1, 3
Subsections 4 and 6 effective January 1, 2026; 2025 Acts, ch 144, §3
NEW subsection 4 and former subsection 4 renumbered as 5
NEW subsection 6 and former subsections 5 – 7 renumbered as 7 – 9