Blogs

Recording Deeds Electronically in DC

Once a deed has been signed, sealed and delivered, the transfer from the grantor to the grantee takes place.  To protect the grantee’s interest in the property, the deed is recorded with the Land Records office.  This provides constructive notice that the property has transferred.  By recording the deed, another party is prevented from recording a document (a lien, judgment or even another deed) that could cloud the chain of title.  It also provides notice Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Appealing Property Taxes in Maryland

When the State of Maryland sends you the property assessment, do you look at it? You should. Sometimes the state assessment is too high and you, as the homeowner, have the right to appeal the assessment. While appealing property taxes in Maryland might appear to be a daunting task, we are here to help! When and How In Maryland, if a property is purchased between January 1 and June 30, the new homeowner has 60 Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Drafting FSBO Contract

When selling a home For Sale By Owner (FSBO) and you’ve already found a buyer, one crucial decision remains: who should draft the contract? While realtors are often involved in property transactions, opting for a lawyer drafting the FSBO contract is also a good choice. Expertise in Legal Nuances Lawyers are trained to navigate these complexities, ensuring that all legal bases are covered. They understand state-specific regulations, disclosure requirements, and potential legal pitfalls that could Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

DC Deed transfer FAQs

I was recently married and want to add my new spouse to title, will this be taxed? Whether you were recently married or married fifty years ago, adding or removing a spouse from the title to a property is exempt from Recordation and Transfer taxes. I have a partner and would like for his name to be added to the deed. How much will this cost? It depends. Domestic partners are exempt from paying Recordation Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Deed Transfer Considerations

Adding or removing a person from the deed to your real property is a significant decision that requires careful consideration of several factors. Whether you’re adding a family member, partner, or business associate, or removing someone due to a sale, divorce, or other circumstances, here are some deed transfer considerations: Legal and Financial Implications First and foremost, understand the legal ramifications. Adding someone to your deed essentially makes them a co-owner, granting them rights to Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Deed Transfer to an LLC

Transferring real property into a Limited Liability Company (LLC) is a strategic move that offers numerous benefits, particularly for real estate investors and business owners. Here are some key reasons and benefits for considering a Deed transfer to an LLC: Asset Protection One of the primary reasons for transferring real property into an LLC is asset protection. By holding real estate in an LLC, the property owner can shield personal assets from potential lawsuits or Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Deed Transfer to a Revocable Trust

Transferring real property to a revocable trust offers several compelling benefits that can simplify estate planning, provide privacy, and offer flexibility for property owners.  Here are some reasons to consider a Deed transfer to a revocable trust. Avoiding Probate: One of the primary advantages of placing real property in a revocable trust is avoiding probate. Probate is a court-supervised process for distributing a deceased person’s assets, which can be time-consuming, costly, and public. When property Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Guide to Conveying a Limited Common Element

In Montgomery County, Maryland, a limited common element (LCE) refers to a portion of the common elements in a condominium that is allocated for the exclusive use of one or more, but fewer than all, of the condominium units. Examples of LCEs include parking spaces or storage units. Conveying a Limited Common Element by deed requires careful attention to both legal requirements and the condominium’s governing documents. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

The General Warranty Deed and the Special Warranty Deed

When transferring property ownership, the type of deed used can significantly impact the level of protection afforded to the buyer. Two common types are the general warranty deed and the special warranty deed. Understanding their differences is crucial for both buyers and sellers. General Warranty Deed A general warranty deed offers the highest level of protection to the buyer. This type of deed guarantees that the seller holds clear title to the property and has Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago

Deed Adding a Child

Adding an adult child to a real property deed is a significant decision with both advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these pros and cons of preparing a deed adding a child is crucial for making an informed choice that aligns with your financial and familial goals. Pros Avoiding Probate: One of the primary benefits of adding an adult child to a property deed is the potential to avoid probate. This legal process can be lengthy and Read more…

By Joseph Gentile, ago