Navigating Property Law and Estate Planning
By Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.
The Sunshine State has long been a desirable destination for individuals seeking to establish roots or invest in real estate. An essential aspect prospective owners must grasp is the diverse array of deed types.
Each type of deed holds distinct implications for rights, responsibilities, and transfers. In this article, we’ll shed light on their nuances and guide readers towards a clearer understanding of the choices at hand.
Warranty Deed: Unwavering Assurance The Warranty Deed stands as the bedrock of property ownership in Florida, guaranteeing the buyer that the seller holds clear title and has the right to transfer the property. This deed offers a robust level of protection against any prior claims or encumbrances. Both the buyer and the seller have their interests safeguarded, making it a common choice for residential transactions.
Quitclaim Deed: The Simplicity of Transfer This is sometimes referred to, although incorrectly, as the Quick deed. Unlike the Warranty Deed, it does not guarantee clear title or protection against potential claims. Instead, it conveys the interest of the grantor to the grantee, making it useful for transferring property within families, divorces, or other situations where the parties are well-acquainted with each other and the property’s history. However, by using this deed you may waive protections you previously had. It is important that this deed be used sparingly.
Special Warranty Deed: Limited Yet Defined The Special Warranty Deed presents a middle ground between the Warranty and Quitclaim deeds. While it offers some level of protection, it only covers issues that arose during the seller’s ownership, leaving potential prior claims unaddressed. This type of deed is often utilized in commercial real estate transactions, where the seller’s exposure to risk is somewhat controlled, yet the buyer is still afforded a degree of assurance.
Ladybird Deed: Enhanced Life Estate Deed A Ladybird Deed is a type of property ownership arrangement that can be used in estate planning and is unique to Florida. Its primary purpose is to allow a property owner to transfer their real property to designated beneficiaries upon their death while retaining control over the property during their lifetime. This also allows the property to pass to beneficiaries outside of probate, upon the owner’s death.
In addition to understanding deed types, it is equally important to ensure the deed is properly prepared; one mistake may affect the ownership of your largest investment. If you have any questions about the proper deed to utilize or how to prepare it, contact Vaughn Law for a consultation to discuss your options at 727-363-6100.
Danielle L. Vaughn, Esq., B.C.S., LL.M.
Board Certified Real Estate Attorney
VAUGHN LAW, PLLC
350 Corey Ave.
St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
Phone: (727) 223-6080
Fax: (727) 645-4226