how do i change a deed without a lawyer in pennsylvania

by Alexandre Stanton 5 min read

To change or transfer a deed without a lawyer, obtain a certified copy and review the information. After checking for accuracy, use a deed form that allows you to fill in the blanks. This can be accessed online or at a local office supply shop. Fill in the deed by listing the grantor and grantee and the property’s legal description.

If you decide to proceed with your own transfer, here are the steps you'll take.
  1. Retrieve your original deed. ...
  2. Get the appropriate deed form. ...
  3. Draft the deed. ...
  4. Sign the deed before a notary. ...
  5. Record the deed with the county recorder. ...
  6. Obtain the new original deed.
Jun 16, 2020

Full Answer

How to change or transfer a deed without a lawyer?

Changing Or Transferring A Deed. To change or transfer a deed without a lawyer, obtain a certified copy and review the information. After checking for accuracy, use a deed form that allows you to fill in the blanks.

How to add a name to a house deed in Pennsylvania?

In Pennsylvania, the owner has the ability to add another person to the title of the property through a deed. To add a name to a house deed in Pennsylvania, a new deed is prepared. The owner can prepare his own deed or contact an attorney or document service to provide one.

Do you have to notarize a deed in PA?

In Pennsylvania, the grantors need to sign the deed in the presence of a certified notary public. The notary then acknowledges the signature and stamps the deed with his seal. Some deeds contain a clause concerning bituminous coal deposits under the land in question.

What happens after you sign a deed in PA?

After the deed is signed, it is submitted for recording to the county recorder of deeds. A recording fee is charged at this time, and these fees vary by county in Pennsylvania. Also, some transfers may be subject to real property transfer tax.

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How do you transfer a house deed in PA?

To transfer property in Pennsylvania, you'll need to prepare and execute a deed and record it in the county where the property is located. If the transfer was in exchange for money, you'll have to pay transfer tax.

How do you change the name on a deed in PA?

To change, add or remove a name on your deed a new deed needs to be recorded reflecting the change. Many people think they can come into the office and change the present recorded deed with a form, but that is not the case. Once a deed is recorded it cannot be changed.

How much does it cost to transfer a house deed in PA?

What does it cost? The recording charge is set by the county and we charge a administative fee. For counties from Erie, Elk, Franklin and Centre to Bucks, Berks, and Butler, the charge for a deed transfer across Pennsylvania is $700, with the sole exception of Philadelphia, which is $750.

Can I change title deeds myself?

It's possible to change the names on title deed yourself without help from anyone else. You simply need to complete the right forms and pay any fee.

How much does it cost to record a deed in PA?

MONTGOMERY COUNTY RECORDER OF DEEDSDocument TypeBase Fee Up to 4 names, 4 pages, 1 parcelEach Add'l page over 4Deed Miscellaneous$73.75$2.00Assignments of Rents/Leases$73.75$2.00Condo Codes of Regulation$73.75$2.00Consent Form$73.75$2.0062 more rows

How do I change the name on my house deeds?

Getting the name changed on your deeds is an easy process and you do not need to involve a solicitor. Generally there is no fee to pay either. You simply need to send a letter to the Land Registry office requesting the name change, together with either the original or a certified copy of your marriage certificate.

How long does a transfer of deed take?

It usually takes four to six weeks to complete the legal processes involved in the transfer of title.

How much does it cost to transfer a house into your name?

It's best to have between 8 and 10% of the purchase price put aside for other purchase expenses, including bond costs and transfer duties. Transfer Duty is a government tax levied to transfer the property from the seller's name into the buyer's name.

Can you gift a house in PA?

A gift must be given out of disinterest or pure generosity. This means to qualify as a gift; the property must be given freely or in exchange for goods or services that cost significantly less than the value of the gift.

Can a title deed be amended?

Changing the title deeds He explains that a lawyer will be needed if the title deeds are to be changed, and there will be a fee for this service. “If there is a bond on the property or if there are co-owners then the lender and the co-owners will need to agree to the changes, too,” he adds.

How do you remove someone from house deeds?

To remove someone's name from a property deed, the following steps must be taken: an application must be made to change the register - using Form AP1. if transferring the entire property, Form TR1 must be filed with the Land Registry. For more information, read How to fill out Form TR1.

Can I transfer house to my son?

As a homeowner, you are permitted to give your property to your children at any time, even if you live in it. But there are a few things you should be aware of being signing over the family home.

Why do you need to change your deed?

There are several common reasons why you may need to make minor changes to a deed. Here are some of the following: – Purchasing a home. Selling a home. Newly married. Getting a divorce. Mortgage refinance. Gifting your home.

Where can I find a deed to a house?

This will be located in the same jurisdiction where the property is located. Typically, you’ll find it at the County Clerk’s office.

What is warranty deed?

It indicates that they are transferring title to another individual and that the seller owns the piece of property free and clear without any liens. Typically, a warranty deed will be used when a piece of property is sold.

What is a quit claim deed?

A quitclaim deed is utilized when you need to transfer an interest in the physical property from one person to another. On this type of deed, it will list the name of the person who is handing over their claim and the name of the person who is accepting ownership.

Can you change a deed without a lawyer?

If you decide to change a deed without a lawyer, you should proceed with caution. By transferring or amending a deed, you are legally changing real estate specifications pertaining to a piece of property. If done wrong, a deed transfer or amendment could become a costly mistake.

Can you change a recorded deed?

Many people think they can come into the office and change the present recorded deed with a form, but that is not the case. Once a deed is recorded it cannot be changed. We recommend you consult a real estate attorney or title company to prepare a new deed.

Can you change the name on a deed if you are married?

If someone marries, it is not required to change the name on the deed to the married name, but because of a particular legal situation it may be desirable, therefore we again recommend consulting an attorney or title company for specific advice. Our office cannot recommend a real estate attorney or title company.

Which type of deed guarantees the ownership of the property to the grantee?

Deed Types. General Warranty – The best type of deed which guarantees the ownership to the Grantee and verifies that there are no defects with any transfer between any past owners. Quit Claim – This comes with the least security of all types and only guarantees the transfer of the ownership rights of the previous owner.

What is a general warranty deed?

General Warranty Deed Form. Create Document. The Pennsylvania deeds are forms that are used to transfer the ownership of real estate from one party (the Grantor) to another (the Grantee). It is a simple one (1) or two (2) page form that simply states a set price, always in US Dollars, that is known as the ‘Consideration’, the names of the Parties, ...

How to transfer property in Pennsylvania?

To transfer property in Pennsylvania, you'll need to prepare and execute a deed and record it in the county where the property is located. If the transfer was in exchange for money, you'll have to pay transfer tax.

What is a trust deed in Pennsylvania?

A trust deed shares the name "deed" with the other kinds of deeds used in Pennsylvania, but it is essentially a mortgage instrument, transferring title from the seller to the buyer's trustee, rather than to the buyer. The trustee holds the deed as security for the lender until the mortgage has been paid off and then transfers interest to the buyer. In the event the buyer defaults, the trustee transfers the property interest to the mortgage holder instead or, alternatively, may sell the property at a foreclosure auction, then pay the mortgage holder the proceeds.

What is a quit claim deed?

A quitclaim deed allows you to transfer whatever claim you have in a specific property to another party or entity. When you transfer property with a quitclaim deed, you aren't making any kind of guarantee or warranty that you actually hold title to the property or that the title is unencumbered – only that you're transferring to ...

What happens if a buyer defaults on a mortgage?

In the event the buyer defaults, the trustee transfers the property interest to the mortgage holder instead or, alternatively, may sell the property at a foreclosure auction, then pay the mortgage holder the proceeds.

What happens if a title cannot be defended?

If the title cannot be defended, the title company must convey the purchase price back to the buyer. A warranty deed is what you get when you buy a house from a stranger. You must go to a closing after the title company determines what is needed to transfer clear title.

Can you transfer a house to a relative?

Most property owners use a quitclaim deed to transfer property to a relative for little or no consideration. Parents may transfer a house or farm to a son, for example, or a husband may transfer his interest in jointly-held property to his wife as part of a divorce agreement. In many cases, transfers through quitclaim do not involve a sale;

What is a warranty deed in Pennsylvania?

A general warranty deed is used to transfer an interest in real estate in Pennysylvania in most real estate transactions. A Pennsylvania warranty deed conveys real property with warranty covenants to the buyer. It requires an acknowledgement of the grantor's signature.

What is a deed in real estate?

A deed is the instrument that transfers ownership of real property from one owner to another. It contains the names of the current owner (the grantor) and the new owner (the grantee), the legal description of the property, and is signed by the grantor. Transfers of real property must be in writing and notarized.

What is a special warranty deed?

When a special or limited warranty deed is used, the grantor only warrants that there are no title defects during the time the grantor owned the property. The special or limited warranty deed gives the grantee greater protection than a quitclaim deed and less protection than a full or general warranty deed.

What is a grant deed?

Grant Deed. Grant deeds transfer ownership from the grantor to the grantee. The grantor promises that title has not been transferred previously and that there are not any encumbrances, other than those stated in the deed.

Where should a deed be recorded?

Deeds should be recorded in the county where the property is located . When you are buying property, you also need to choose how you are going to hold title. Co-buyers can take title as joint tenants with right of survivorship or tenants in common.

Why is a general warranty deed important?

It offers the best protection for the grantee because it guarantees that the title is good and marketable. The grantor promises the grantee that the grantor will defend the grantee from any all claims made by third parties. The general warranty deed contains the following provisions: Amount of consideration.

What is the process of signing a deed in Pennsylvania?

Undertaking Deed Signing. After the preliminary precautions are verified, the deed is ready for signing. In Pennsylvania, the grantors need to sign the deed in the presence of a certified notary public. The notary then acknowledges the signature and stamps the deed with his seal.

Who is the title holder on a deed in Pennsylvania?

The grantee on the last deed recorded is considered the title holder. In Pennsylvania, the owner has the ability to add another person to the title of the property through a deed.

Why do you need an attorney for a quit claim deed?

Using an attorney is the best route because the attorney ensures that the deed is prepared per the requirements of the state. In Pennsylvania, deeds must contain the legal names of the grantors and grantees and a complete legal description of the property. Often, a quit claim deed is used to add another name. ...

What is a quit claim deed?

Often, a quit claim deed is used to add another name. Quit claim deeds function to convey property ownership from one party to another. However, they offer no guarantee to the grantee that the grantor holds a free and clear title to the property.

Do you have to exchange money when you add a name to a deed in Pennsylvania?

The recorder of deeds will determine this at the time of recording. However, there is often no exchange of money when a name is added as an owner. The recorder may also require the realty transfer tax form to be completed at the time of recording. References. Real Estate Lawyers: Pennsylvania Property Deeds.

Can you own the same property?

Over time, many people can own the same piece of property. The various transfers of ownership are documented through deeds. The deeds are filed with the county real estate department, and during a title search, the most recent deed transfer is examined. The grantee on the last deed recorded is considered the title holder.

Question

In Pennsylvania should I use a deed with or without a warranty for a property transfer?

Answer

In a Pennsylvania deed transaction involving real estate, a deed with warranty (commonly referred to as a "warranty deed") will offer the most protection to grantee (party receiving the property). Commonly, a warranty deed guarantees the following, including the title to the real estate is clear, in good standing, and marketable to the public.

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