Sometimes selling your home is simple; sometimes it’s more complicated. In this post, we answer the question, “Can you sell a house with a quitclaim deed?” The short answer is “Yes,” but it depends on whether the buyer’s willing to risk it or not and whether you can clearly prove the ownership history.
At Professional Home Buyers, we buy houses in Wichita for cash, so this isn’t an issue for us.
What a Quitclaim Deed Actually Does
A quitclaim deed transfers whatever property ownership interest the seller has at the time of signing. It doesn’t confirm that the title is clean or even that the seller fully owns the property.
It’s more common when the people involved trust each other, like when two people are getting an amicable divorce. From the buyer’s point of view, it can be risky because someone might later lodge a claim.
Can You Sell Property With a Quitclaim Deed?
It’s legal to sell a home that was acquired through a quitclaim deed. The title is still transferred, so the seller is well within their rights. The challenge is not legality but marketability.
Buyers and lenders usually prefer warranty deeds because they include protections. For example, when there’s a warranty deed, they check for issues like:
- Liens
- Disputes
- Past ownership issues
The Quitclaim Deed Property Transfer Process
So, the question isn’t so much, “Can you sell a house with a quitclaim deed?” but how to go about it. It’s actually pretty straightforward. Your team completes the deed as normal, and it’s signed in front of a notary before being filed with the local county office.
That simplicity is why so many people choose it to begin with.
Risks of Using a Quitclaim Deed in Real Estate
Transferring property ownership without a title warranty means buyers don’t get any guarantees. The deed doesn’t promise that the seller owns the property free and clear. It also doesn’t protect against existing claims, liens, or legal disputes.
Under these circumstances, financing becomes difficult. Many lenders want additional title verification before approving a mortgage. That makes cash buyers a more favorable option.
Property condition is another factor. Since the deed focuses only on ownership rights, any legal or structural issues transfer over to the buyer unless they address them separately. This is another reason for buyers and lenders to feel nervous about getting involved.
Selling a House With a Quitclaim Deed to a Cash Buyer
It’s harder for buyers to get a mortgage in these instances, so a cash buyer is a good alternative. Cash buyers are more comfortable with non-traditional transactions and, since they don’t rely on lenders, can move forward more quickly.
Call Our Team To Discuss Your Options
So, can you sell a house with a quitclaim deed? What about a house with a lien? Yes, but it may be more difficult than a traditional sale. If you’re looking for a simpler process, call Professional Home Buyers at 316-202-1628 to discuss your options. The team will evaluate your property and make a fair offer.