How to Get a Quit Claim Deed: 13 Steps
A quit claim deed is a legal document that transfers one person’s interest in a property to another person. It’s often used when the owner wants to release their claim on the property without providing any warranties about the title’s condition. This article outlines the 13 steps to obtaining a quit claim deed.
1.Identify the parties: Determine who the grantor (the person transferring their interest) and grantee (the person receiving the interest) will be. Make sure you have their full legal names and addresses.
2.Gather property details: Obtain important information about the property, including its legal description, parcel number, and physical address.
3.Verify ownership: Confirm that the grantor has legal ownership of the property by checking with the county recorder’s office or through a title search company.
4.Determine if there are any liens or encumbrances: Find out if there are any outstanding debts or claims on the property. This can also be done through a title search company.
5.Consult an attorney: Seek legal advice from an attorney familiar with quitclaim deeds and real estate law in your jurisdiction.
6.Prepare the quitclaim deed: Draft the quitclaim deed, ensuring it meets all legal requirements for your state and county. You can use a pre-made form or create one yourself, but it’s recommended to have an attorney review it before moving forward.
7.Include necessary information: Make sure your quitclaim deed contains all relevant information, such as:
– Names and addresses of grantor and grantee
– Legal description of the property
– Date of transfer
– The fact that no warranties are made regarding the title
– The fact that it’s a quitclaim deed
8.Signatures: Both parties must sign and date the document in front of a notary public in order to make it legally binding.
9.Notarize the quitclaim deed: Have the neither public notarize the document after verifying both parties’ identities.
10.Record the deed: Take the completed and notarized quitclaim deed to your local county recorder’s office to have it officially recorded. There may be a fee associated with this step.
11.Obtain copies: Request certified copies of the recorded quitclaim deed from the county recorder’s office for both parties’ records.
12.Notify relevant entities: Inform mortgage companies, lenders, and other impacted parties about the change in ownership.
13.Update insurance policies and utilities: The grantee should update their homeowner’s insurance policy as well as any utility accounts to reflect their new ownership status.
Following these steps will help you successfully navigate the process of obtaining a quit claim deed. While it can be a straightforward process, it’s crucial that each step is completed accurately to avoid potential legal issues in the future.