Friday

Can a quitclaim deed transfer mortgage debt?

when you transfer property rights, a quitclaim deed serves your purpose. But you cannot transfer mortgage debt or any financial obligation through the deed. If there is a mortgage on the property you wish to transfer, you'll have to pay off the debt prior to the transfer and make the title free and clear. Otherwise, you'll have to transfer the loan as well.

In order to transfer a mortgage to the grantee, you'll have to convince the latter to refinance the loan in his/her name. And, at the time of refinance closing, you can sign on a quitclaim or grant deed in order to transfer the property to the grantee. Alternatively, you can transfer the title first and then have the grantee refinance the mortgage in his name. But before you do so, get it in writing from the grantee that he'll refinance as soon as you convey the title. Otherwise, you'll (the grantor) be left to pay off the loan entirely without having the property in your name.

Another way by which you can transfer mortgage debt while quitclaiming property is Novation.