Adding name to Deed
I live in Wayne County, Pa with my boyfriend of two years. We are interested in having my name added to the deed since I will be contributing money to the remodeling of the home. What is the best way in doing this to protect my interest? I have been reading about Quit Claim Deed and Special Warranty Deed and do not really understand the difference.
Re: Adding name to Deed
In order to add your name to title to the real estate, your boyfriend needs to sign a deed adding your name with his.
Before you and he do that, you should:
1. make sure that adding your name to title will not create a default under the mortgage, if there is one; and
2. have a co-owners agreement that spells out what your respective rights and obligations are and how you will work things out if one of you wants to leave this arrangement. The agreement would provide for a buy-out option between you, and also state what % interest each of you owns.
A Quit Claim deed says, in effect, IF I own it, I’m .
A Special Warranty Deed says I own it, I promise you that I haven’t done anything to compromise my ownership [like putting a mortgage or allowing a judgment against me], I’m giving [or selling] it to you, and if anyone makes a claim against the property because of anything I’ve done, I will defend your interest against such claim.
Miriam Jacobson
Law Offices of Miriam N. Jacobson
1900 JFK Blvd. Suite 1519
Philadelphia, PA 19103-1431