Should I Add My Child to My Accounts or Deed to My Home?

Should I Add My Child to My Accounts or Deed to My Home?

Gabriel Katzner - February 11, 2025 - Estate Planning

As people get older, they may consider adding their child to their bank account or the title to their property. Giving your child direct access to your bank account can simplify bill paying if your child handles those chores for you. It is also a common misconception that adding your child to your accounts or […]

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Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Contested?

Can a Quitclaim Deed Be Contested?

Gabriel Katzner - January 25, 2025 - Real Estate

A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer ownership of real property from one person to another. They are most commonly used to transfer the title to property between people who know each other well or to fix an error on the title. Unlike a warranty deed, a quitclaim deed does not have […]

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Two Names on Deed, One Person Dies, What Then?

Two Names on Deed, One Person Dies, What Then?

Gabriel Katzner - November 8, 2024 - Real Estate

What happens when two names are on a deed and one dies? The answer to this question depends on how the deed is worded. The property could be owned as joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common, or tenancy by the entirety. If your deed does not specify one of these, the default […]

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Can You Buy a House if You Owe Taxes?

Can You Buy a House if You Owe Taxes?

Gabriel Katzner - - Real Estate

In 2019, over 11 million Americans owed more than $125 billion in back taxes to the IRS. Yes, you can buy a house if you owe taxes, but getting a mortgage can be more difficult if you owe taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or state tax authorities. Lenders take on a significant financial […]

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What Is a Quitclaim Deed?

What Is a Quitclaim Deed?

Gabriel Katzner - June 6, 2024 - Real Estate

A quitclaim deed is a legal document used to transfer interest in a property from the grantor to the grantee. It does not guarantee that the grantor has a legal interest or right to the property. A quitclaim deed is a way to transfer property ownership quickly and easily, but it has limitations. Ian and […]

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Can A Jointly Owned Property Be Sold By One Owner?

Can A Jointly Owned Property Be Sold By One Owner?

Gabriel Katzner - June 5, 2024 - Real Estate

Michael and Jill own a home appraised at $3 million. The home has been in their family for generations. The couple plans to leave the home to their four children when they die. All four children will be tenants in common, and they each will inherit 25% of the interest in the family home. They […]

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Guide to Inheriting a House with Siblings

Guide to Inheriting a House with Siblings

Gabriel Katzner - May 31, 2024 - Real Estate

Inheritance can be complicated, especially if multiple people inherit the same asset and a legal will does not contain explicit instructions for how the property should be managed or divided. Mike has three daughters; one is married and has two children. His other two daughters still live in the family home. Imagine the disagreements that […]

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Should I Put My House in a Trust in New York?

Should I Put My House in a Trust in New York?

Gabriel Katzner - April 26, 2024 - Real Estate

Putting a house in a trust offers several advantages. As one of the most valuable assets in your estate, it is essential to know about any potential tax and creditor protections you are eligible to receive if you put your house in a trust. If you own a home in New York, it is important […]

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House with a For Sale sign in the front

Real Estate Deeds Used When Funding Your Trust

Gabriel Katzner - July 19, 2022 - Trust Administration

When using trusts in your estate plan, it is essential to fund the trust. Transferring your real estate from personal ownership to the Trust is essential to avoid the expensive and time-consuming probate process. To retitle your real estate in the trust’s name involves recording a deed with the local recording authority. Retitling your real […]

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Selling Real Estate After a Death: What You Need to Know

Selling a House After Death: What You Need to Know

Gabriel Katzner - July 9, 2021 - Real Estate

Handling the final affairs for a loved one can be overwhelming, especially after an unexpected death. Selling your loved ones real estate may be one of those tasks. Seeking the help of a real estate agent is essential, but before you make that call consider some of the key issues you may come across. Determining […]

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