Tag: real estate deeds
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How It’s Going: The Rise of the “Transfer on Death Deed”
Homeowners looking to pass property to the next generation are increasingly asking about transfer on death deeds. These deeds aren’t new. But they are a relatively new option in a number of states. Many people only know about them when their state lawmakers decide to introduce them. Today, more than 30 states allow for a…
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South Dakota Allows “Transfer on Death” for Mineral Rights
Most states have adopted transfer on death deeds. In South Dakota, this option was established in 2014. South Dakota’s transfer on death deed form is a useful tool. It allows deed holders to give children or other beneficiaries a specific property without the complications of making them current owners. Real estate includes both surface rights…
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States Have Been on a Housing Affordability Roll. Can Cities Stop Standing in the Way?
Just a few months ago, we reported on state lawmakers stepping up for housing affordability and creating big, bold changes. If Congress is slow to act, at least the states can bring relief to the people. Optimism, and the winds of change, have gained strength. Texas even passed a law to stop small groups of…
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Understanding Tenancy by the Entirety
Tenancy by the entirety is one way to vest a deed. It designates shared ownership of property. In the states that allow it, a tenancy by the entirety is a protective way for married couples to co-own a home. So, if you’re acquiring a deed as spouses or legal life partners, holding property as tenants…
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Sign of the Times: Companies Emerge to Help Friends Acquire Deeds Together
A form of co-ownership called the tenancy in common is picking up steam across the country. Four years ago, a Los Angeles company started turning single-home properties into townhome associations where co-buyers could share living spaces. Then we saw “upzoning” laws take shape. California’s Senate Bill 9 allowed single-unit property owners to split their parcels into multiple housing units.…
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Arizona Transfer on Death Deed: Understanding the Beneficiary Deed
If you’re searching for an Arizona transfer on death deed, you’re not alone — and you’re not far off. Arizona offers a powerful estate planning tool that accomplishes exactly what a transfer on death deed does, but the state calls it by a different name: the beneficiary deed. This distinction matters. Understanding that Arizona’s beneficiary…
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Easement Talk: Frequently Asked Questions About Driveways and Deeds
An easement is physical access to property, in legally recognizable form. Most everyone has seen a shared driveway. This typically involves an easement. With an easement of this kind, each owner needs to use the same part of the property, and the parties have a legal, mutual agreement that allows them to share driveway access.
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Q&A: Cash Offers and Quitclaim Deeds
Quitclaim deeds are typically used within families, between spouses or ex-spouses, or from individual owners into businesses. A quitclaim is a useful tool to transfer real estate when no payment’s expected. What we rarely talk about is a quitclaim combined with a cash transaction. There may be times, though, when a quitclaim and cash come…
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Transfer on Death Deed: Second Thoughts?
Avoiding the probate courts is an important goal for some homeowners. That’s why the transfer on death deedhas achieved popularity. One by one, most states have now adopted the option. Sometimes called the TOD deed, or just TODD, it offers a relatively simple way for a deed holder to say who’ll get the deed next.…
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Will There Still Be FHA Loans? How Trump’s Return Could Impact Housing
And here it is: a new administration. What’s changing for home seekers and deed holders? Yes, there will still be FHA mortgages. There will still be conventional loans with government backing. But we can expect… All of these possibilities impact the value and availability of deeds for ordinary people. So, let’s do some Q&A to…
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Transferring Property to Family: What to Know About Gift Deeds
A gift deed signifies a voluntarily title transfer from a “grantor” (the giver) to a “grantee” (recipient). Recipients are often loved ones or charities. A home’s transfer through a gift deed happens without consideration — meaning no money or thing of value is given in return. The deed states that the title is conveyed for…
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Time for an Estate Planning Review? Check for 9 Common Deed Mistakes
Creating an estate plan is a wonderful thing to do for your loved ones. And it’s actually never too early to do your estate planning. Every homeowner should be confident that their intentions will be carried out, according to clear, effective documents. So, let’s briefly go over nine common mistakes to look out for when…
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When Do You Need a Warranty Deed?
Sometimes it’s best to use a warranty deed to transfer property. It’s common whenever there’s a seller and buyer who didn’t know each other before their deal. In fact, a mortgage lender or insurance company could insist on a transfer by warranty deed. But why? A warranty deed transfers a title with certain protections. This…
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Can I Add a New Name to a Deed Without the Current Co-Owner’s OK?
If two people are on the deed to a house, can one party add someone else to the deed without the other deed owner’s permission? Maybe the owners are a senior and an adult child. Can the younger owner legally add a marriage partner to the deed without the senior owner’s go-ahead? First, a basic…
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Ohio’s County Deed Recorders on the Verge of Digitization
Plus, New Provisions to Prevent Deed Fraud Senate Bill 94, sponsored by the two Republican State Senators Al Landis and Andrew Brenner, has successfully passed in the Ohio Senate. Its goal? Modernizing the 88 county recorders’ offices throughout Ohio.
