deed recording Archives

February 24, 2024April 25, 2024

Can We Record Deeds on the Blockchain?

Blockchain, the underlying technology of cryptocurrency, is a digital recording system, leading innovators to wonder if it could solve challenges in deed recording.

The U.S. deed recording system is tried and true. At the same time, title defects and tangled titles are much too common. Additionally, deed fraud harms vulnerable homeowners..

What if our title system moved to the blockchain? A “blocktitle” system, as Dawson Sanders at the University of Southern California calls it, would transform real estate transactions.

September 5, 2022April 25, 2024

Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Undone?

A quitclaim deed transfers real estate to a new owner. A properly completed and recorded quitclaim cannot be undone. Here’s why — and what to do next if there’s a problem with the transfer.

July 4, 2022April 25, 2024

I’m Changing My Name. What About the House Title?

Your house title should state your current legal name. Of course, there are other documents that prove your identity. But having the correct name on the title will save steps when you want to sell or take a loan out on your home.

So here’s a brief guide to changing the title to your home after changing your name.

October 14, 2013April 27, 2024

An Unrecorded Quitclaim Deed Can Still Be Valid

An unrecorded quitclaim deed is still valid. While there is no time limit on recording a deed or recording required for a quitclaim deed to be valid, record all deeds as soon after the transaction as possible. Failure to record a deed could render transfer or mortgaging of the property impossible and create numerous legal difficulties.

October 26, 2012April 27, 2024

Adding a Person to a Deed Using a Quitclaim Deed

One of the most common incorrect assumptions in real estate is that someone can be added to a deed. If one person owns a piece of real estate and wants to bring on another owner, this means that the current owner would give up their interest in the property to themselves and the other person. Both people would acquire their interest in the property at the same time in the chain of title. The chain of title in real estate has been established so that an interest in real estate cannot be valued by the amount of time an owner has been in possession of the real estate.