Quit Claim Deed

· 2 min read
A quit claim deed transfers whatever ownership interest someone has in a property — without guaranteeing they actually own anything at all. That sounds sketchy,…

A quit claim deed transfers whatever ownership interest someone has in a property — without guaranteeing they actually own anything at all.

That sounds sketchy, and in some contexts it is. A quit claim deed says “I give you whatever rights I have to this property.” If the person signing it owns 100% of the home, great — you get 100%. If they own nothing, you get nothing. There’s no warranty, no guarantee, no recourse.

It’s the “as-is” of property transfers.

When Quit Claim Deeds Make Sense

Quit claim deeds are common in specific situations:

  • Divorce: One spouse transfers their share to the other
  • Family transfers: Parents adding a child to the deed
  • Clearing title clouds: An ex-spouse or heir signs off to remove a potential claim
  • Transferring to a trust: Moving property into a living trust

These all involve parties who know each other and know the property history. In these cases, quit claim deeds are perfectly fine.

When to Avoid Quit Claim Deeds

Never accept a quit claim deed when buying a home from a stranger. On a $350K purchase, you need a warranty deed — one that guarantees the seller actually owns the property and that the title is clean. A quit claim deed offers zero protection.

Watch out for: Scammers using quit claim deeds to sell property they don’t own. This fraud is real and growing. Someone files a fake quit claim deed at the county recorder, then “sells” the property to an unsuspecting buyer. Always verify ownership through a proper title search and buy title insurance. If someone pushes a quit claim deed for a standard home sale, walk away.

Does a quit claim deed affect my mortgage?

A quit claim deed transfers ownership, not debt. If you quit claim your interest to someone else, you’re still on the hook for the mortgage unless the lender releases you. Most mortgages have a “due on sale” clause that lets the lender demand full repayment when ownership transfers. Consult a real estate attorney before using a quit claim deed on any mortgaged property. Our buying guide explains the safer deed types used in standard home purchases, and our mortgage calculator helps you understand the financial side.