One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “Should I add my child to my deed so they inherit the house when I die?” At first glance, it seems like a simple solution. By adding a child to the deed, many homeowners hope to: Avoid probate Simplify estate administration Read more
Not every real estate transaction involves agents, listings, or open houses. In fact, some of the most common—and most misunderstood—transactions are private sales between: Landlords and tenants Parents and children Siblings or other family members Long-time friends or acquaintances These deals often start with a simple idea: “We already agree Read more
When people think about estate planning, they usually think about wills and trusts. But there’s a critical piece that is often overlooked: How your real estate is titled. In Washington, DC and Maryland, estate plans frequently fail—not because the documents were drafted incorrectly, but because the deeds were never aligned Read more
Homeowners frequently ask whether they should transfer their home into an LLC or a trust. Sometimes the question comes from a lender, an accountant, or an online article promising asset protection or tax benefits. What’s often missing from those discussions is what actually happens on title and for transfer taxes Read more
Dealing with the passing of a loved one is already stressful enough, but often when a property owner passes away, of the first questions families ask is: What happens to the house now? In Washington, DC and Maryland, the answer depends entirely on how the property was titled before death. Read more
Searching for an online deed using “DC quitclaim deed form” or “Maryland deed template” makes transferring property look deceptively simple. A few blanks, a notary stamp, and you’re done—right? In reality, online deed forms are one of the most common sources of title problems I see in DC and Maryland. Read more
How Property Can Be Transferred Without Payment — and Why Proper Legal Drafting Matters Intro (with inbound links) At Gentile Property Law Office, LLC, I regularly assist clients throughout Washington, DC and Maryland with deed transfers, trust funding, and property-ownership restructuring. If you need help preparing or reviewing a deed, Read more
While many people think deeds only transfer property after a sale, a large portion of DC property transfers occur with no money changing hands. These are called no-consideration deed transfers, and they are extremely common in estate planning, family-ownership changes, and property restructuring involving LLCs or trusts. However, just because Read more