Jan 11, 2024 By Susan Kelly
Depending on the state where a person resides, different regulations may apply to how they own real estate. Some states have rules governing who can hold a title.
Discover the differences between the most typical types of property deeds. If you're considering how to phrase your title, speak with a lawyer to learn how your state laws and tax situation will affect your choice of title type.
The only property owners are those who hold these types of titles. These titles frequently make it evident if the owner is single or married because many couples purchase real estate together.
A married individual would possess a sole title if they wanted to own real estate in their name solely. The other spouse, who isn't listed on the label, isn't entitled to any future profits but is also exempt from liability for any problems arising from owning the property. In some areas, married couples who want to be the sole owners of a piece of real estate must file a quitclaim deed from the non-owning spouse to the owner.
Another name for this is a conventional joint tenancy. Each party listed on the property deed receives an equal share. Regardless of what a will may indicate if one party dies, the title passes to the surviving party. Joint tenancy is based on four things:
Time: A label must be sent to each owner simultaneously.
Title: The same deed demonstrating title must be given to each owner.
Interest: The real estate is equally owned by each individual.
Each owner has the same right to possession.
The joint tenancy is broken, and a residency in common is established if one of the joint tenants sells or transfers the interest generated by the joint tenancy to a third party.
Even though tenants in common share ownership of the property equally or unequally, they are all owners.
The interest of a deceased party goes to their heirs. The other parties listed on the deed do not receive it. 1 The right to own is the only thing that unites tenants in common. The property is open to entry by all tenants in common. No one on the deed can prevent anyone else from being there.
Married couples commonly use this kind of title.
The deed's structure is determined by the state in which you reside. Community property titles in jurisdictions like Texas make the two parties equal real estate proprietors. Each party can sell or bequeath their interest in the property. 1 These titles and ownership regulations don't hold in states that recognize separate property.
If one person passes away, the remaining person becomes the sole owner. 8 Since there is a right of survivorship, the home cannot be sold, refinanced, or taken out on a second mortgage without both parties consent. This kind of title, like a joint tenancy with the right of survivorship, prevents either party from transferring their holding to an heir.
A trustee owns real estate under a trust and transfer title, managed for the trustor's benefit. The beneficiary of the trust is the individual who will receive the property. 9 To lower taxes on the estate in the event of death, a trustor may occasionally be designated. 1 An estate planning lawyer can establish a trust that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will recognize.
10 Real estate is owned by the legal entity, not the individual owners. There will be specific tax difficulties depending on the kind of company. For instance, an S company can assist owners in avoiding the double taxation that takes place under various business arrangements.
You are the only property owner if it has a sole and separate deed. If you're married and want to own property, you could require a quitclaim deed from your partner.
A dual tenant's part of the property is divided equally with rights of survivorship. The title passes to the other party upon the death of one party.
Community property titles, which may or may not include rights of survivorship, make both parties equal owners in some states.