Reading this article will teach you the hazards for using a free Florida quit claim deed form and other do-it-yourself solutions to transfer your home or property.
Countless people are searching for and using free Florida quit claim deed forms they find online. These same people then without legal knowledge or training try to fill out the quit claim deed not even knowing if the form itself is proper for the State of Florida or for their specific purposes. As a Florida real estate lawyer, I am horrified that people think this is actually a good, prudent and financially wise decision.
A Penny Wise and a Pound Foolish
Considering the fact your home or property is the most valuable asset you own, trying to cut costs during the deed process is dangerous. I understand in this economy that cutting costs has its appeal. I would just stress that cutting costs for very important and valuable things, such as your health or legal needs, should be avoided. It is one thing to cut costs at the grocery store and to switch to generic brands, but to become your own doctor or lawyer is an entirely different thing.
Being Your Own Lawyer
To be your own lawyer seems simple. How hard can it be? This quit claim deed is just a simple form, right? Just fill in the blanks. There is no need to spend money on a lawyer when you can do it just as easily yourself. And so goes the rationalizing.
Do-it-Yourself: Making a Mess of Things
Here is the problem. The do-it-yourself solution depends entirely on you using the right form and knowing exactly what you are doing. If you do not know what you are doing or if you are using the wrong form, you are doing more harm than good.
There are many types of Florida property deeds. Is a quit claim deed even the right way to go for your transaction? Assuming you have selected the right deed, is the actual form you have, the right form to use or is it missing important language? Have you completed the form correctly and transferred the interests in the property the way you intended? Do you know what to do with the deed and how to record it properly once you are done?
If you mess up in one of a hundred ways, you can create a title nightmare. A title problem will stop you from re-financing or selling the property. Another issue that could arise is the belief you transferred the property but never really did. Equally alarming is that you could unintentionally transfer an interest.
Cost-Benefit Analysis for Hiring a Lawyer: A No Brainer
This brings us back full circle. To protect your Florida legal interests in an important asset such as your home, do not cut costs and do this on your own. This is not an expensive legal task. We draft and record deeds all the time for a flat fee of $175.00 which includes all the costs for recording except any needed documentary stamps. Reversing the mess, if even possible, for an improper Florida deed will cost you a lot more than doing it right the first time.
Do not trust your important property to an online form you found for free. Think twice about using an online form service in which you cannot even talk to a human being much less know if a lawyer is involved.
With something this important, call us at (305) 373-3826 if you need help with quickly drafting and recording a Florida quit claim deed. The peace of mind alone is well worth the price and for $175.00, there really is no excuse.
Related Topics: Miami Real Estate lawyer, Florida Quit Claim Deed lawyer, Florida deed drafting, Florida deed recording
