How to Transfer Ownership of Real Estate?

Transferring ownership of real estate requires the owner of the property to prepare and record a legal form known as a "Deed" with the Clerk of Court in the County where the real property is located. There are a number of different legal Deeds that can be used to transfer ownership. The two most common types of Deed are the "General Warranty Deed" and the "Quitclaim Deed." The General Warranty Deed gives the new owner a guarantee that there are no problems with the chain of title to the property, while the Quitclaim Deed makes no such guarantee.

How to Keep the State From Taking Real Estate When an Owner Dies With No Will

There are a number of popular tools for ensuring property does not end up in the possession of the state when someone passes away without a Will. Three of these tools include: (1) the state's particular "Intestate Statute," (2) naming an heir in the property deed, and (3) setting up a trust. Each of these tools is designed to allow a property owner to determine who will take ownership of his or her property upon passing away. It is important to note that one of these tools (Intestate Statute) will likely require a legal proceeding to determine ownership while the other two (property deed and trust) do not.