What is the process to transfer title on a SFD?

Question

Do I need to call a title company or a real estate agent to get the paperwork processed to transfer the title of a single family dwelling? What if I am related to the property owner? Anybody know of any Real Estate Attorneys in California?

Answer 1

In essentially all states, and specifically including California, it is easy to do and costs only a few dollars. You need to prepare a deed, which would look something like this:
..........Grant Deed
I, John Doe, for a good and valuable consideration, receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, grant to Mary Roe, all my right, title, and interest in the property known as [insert legal description here].

Start with the deed by which you acquired your interest in the property, and in the new deed copy your name exactly as it appears in the old one. Copy the legal description, also exactly as it appears. Forms suitable for this can be obtained at a stationery store, but what I have described will work. Do not sign the new deed yet.

Now go to a notary public (your bank will have one), and sign the deed in the notary's presence. The notary will attach a paper saying that you did so in his presence, affix a rubber stamp, and give it back to you. This may cost you $5 or so, but if you have a friendly banker, they'll do it for free.

Next take the document to the office of the Recorder of Deeds, which will be in the county office building. You will leave the document to be recorded, along with your instruction as to whom it should be mailed after this is done, and a fee of a few dollars. When the deed is recorded, the transfer is complete.

But, before you do this, there is a gotcha: if the property has a mortgage on it, the lender may get stuffy about a transfer of the property without their permission, and may even threaten to foreclose. So you should check into this first.

Answer 2

First call your local county Assessors office and inquire about a quit claim/title transfer if the property is owned outright. The process can be quite simple depending on the situation. I believe if you are in California, Proposition 13 may apply and you may be able to avoid a reassessment of the property. Check on that before you start any process in which you may lose that right.