Free Confidential Consultation. Call Now! 410-299-4959

sreichert@reichertlegal.com

Why Using an Online Deed Template for Estate Planning Purposes is a Bad Idea

Online legal forms, including deed templates, are easily available and can be tempting to use when transferring a property to a family member. This may seem like an easy and inexpensive solution, but it often leads to unexpected problems, which may not arise until a bank, lender, or title company reviews the deed. In Maryland, […]

Read More

What Happens If You Fail to Record a Property Deed in Maryland?

Some people mistakenly believe that signing and notarizing a property deed is sufficient for transferring ownership. In Maryland, however, failing to record a property deed can create significant legal and financial complications, some of which may not emerge until years later.   First of all, Maryland is a race–notice state, which means the first person […]

Read More

Things to Consider Before Modifying a Life Estate Deed in Maryland

Life estate deeds are commonly used for estate planning purposes and to avoid probate. If you would like to learn more about life estate deeds, please read our blog post “What Are Life Estate Deeds in Maryland?”   If you are considering modifying your life estate deed, there are some things you should keep in […]

Read More

I Found a Mistake on My Maryland Property Deed! What Now?

Human errors in property deeds are more common than you might think. If you have come across a mistake in your property deed—a misspelled name, an incorrect index number or legal description, or the wrong form of co-ownership, for instance—the problem can be fixed, in most cases, with a Corrective Deed. Why is this important? […]

Read More

How Does Adding a Child to a Property Deed Impact Capital Gains Taxes in Maryland?

A capital gains tax is based on the increased value of an asset. When a major asset, such as a home or an investment, is sold, capital gains taxes are likely to apply. A question we’re often asked is whether or not a property should be gifted to a beneficiary while the property owner is […]

Read More

Do Not Pay For a Copy of Your Maryland Property Deed

If you have recently transferred the ownership of a property title, you may have received a mailing from a company called Property Records offering a property profile along with “a copy of the only document that identifies [you] as the property owner of [your address], by a recently recorded transferred property title.” Many of our […]

Read More

What Is a Lien Certificate and Why Do I Need One When Transferring My Baltimore City or County Property Title?

A lien certificate is a document issued by the city or county finance office that identifies municipal charges owed to the city or county. A lien certificate will state any outstanding taxes or utilities owed, as well as any property violations and unpaid citations. Note that neither the city nor the county will record a […]

Read More

Do I Need to Update My Maryland Property Deed if My Name Has Changed?

The simple answer is no. Maryland law does not require a new deed to reflect your name change. However, you can avoid complications by doing so, especially if you decide to sell or refinance your property. Name consistency across all legal documents can make life easier for you.   If you decide to change your […]

Read More

Should I Obtain Title Insurance for my Property in Howard County, Maryland?

If you are considering transferring the title to your property in Howard County, Maryland, you may be asking whether you should obtain title insurance. Understanding the role and benefits of title insurance can help you make this decision.   Title insurance is designed as a safeguard against potential issues that may arise with your property’s […]

Read More

Why Quitclaim Deeds Are a Risky Choice for Real Estate in Maryland

Real estate transactions involve a myriad of complex legal and financial considerations, and the choice of the right type of deed is crucial. One deed that is often used in Maryland but can be fraught with risks is the quitclaim deed. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why quitclaim deeds are often a bad idea […]

Read More