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
Creating a revocable living trust is only part of the process. For the trust to actually control your real estate, the property must first be properly transferred into the trust. This step is commonly referred to as funding the trust, and it is one of the most overlooked parts of Read more
Do you own property in Maryland but live in another state? Did you know that an out-of-state death can trigger a 1% probate fee in Maryland? Many homeowners own property in more than one state. But what often goes unnoticed is what happens after death—especially when someone who lives outside 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
Most people assume a deed only changes hands when there’s a sale. In reality, a large share of Maryland deed transfers involve no money at all — what real-estate law refers to as no-consideration transfers. Even though no money changes hands, these transfers must be done correctly to avoid recordation/transfer Read more