The cost to transfer a house title in Texas depends on the complexity of your transfer. Basic transfers may include a fee for document preparation, notary fee, and county recording fees. There may be additional costs to transfer property title if a property owner is deceased.
Cost for Title Transfer in Texas
The costs associated with transferring a house title in Texas may vary depending on the type of transfer you plan to make. In general, the fees to transfer, add or remove a name from your property deed typically include:
If other documents are needed, there may be additional legal, notary and recording fees.
For instance, if one or more of the current record owners of the property are deceased, there may be additional fees because you need additional documents. The fee for these added documents may cost $350 to $500, depending on the document. One such document is the Affidavit of Heirship.
Considerations Before Transferring Property Deeds in Texas
Property Taxes
Be aware that once you file a new property deed transferring title to Texas real estate, the county tax office may re-assess the tax value of the property.
If the value of the property has increased since the prior tax assessment, the future property taxes may increase; perhaps substantially. Check with the county tax office if you have any questions.
Property Tax Exemptions
If the prior owner or owners of the property were receiving property tax exemptions, such as homestead or over 65, for which the new owner is not eligible, the property taxes may increase; perhaps substantially.
It is also possible that the property tax increase could be retroactive. Check with the county tax office if your have any questions.
Title Search, Title Insurance and Surveys
If the new owner of the property wants or requires a title search, title insurance or a survey, each of these services require additional fees.
You will need to contact a local title company for a title search or title insurance. Title searches are usually a flat fee. Title insurance is usually based on the sales price for the property.
Contact a local surveyor for the cost of a survey.
Note: Be aware that if the new owner is obtaining a mortgage or Deed of Trust, most mortgage companies require title insurance and a current survey.
Transfer Tax In Texas
There is no Transfer Tax in Texas as in other states.
There is no fee based on the value of the property as in other states. Additionally, there is no fee based on the type of the property as in other states.
How Much Does it Cost to File an Affidavit of Heirship in Texas
Filing an Affidavit of Heirship in Texas involves the following costs:
Considerations For an Affidavit of Heirship in Texas
Multiple Deceased Owners
If there is more than one deceased owner, you may need one Affidavit of Heirship for each deceased owner.
If there are several generations of deceased owners, such as great grandparent, grand parent, parent, child, you may need one Affidavit of Heirship for each deceased owner.
Multiple Affidavits of Heirships can get very expensive. In such cases, it may be more cost effective to contact a probate attorney for alternative solutions.
Deceased Owner Had a Will
If the deceased owner had a Last Will and Testament, you may need to probate the Will. This may require hiring a probate attorney. Probate fees vary.
FAQ
How much does it cost to transfer a house title in Texas?
It depends. The costs may vary depending on the type of transfer. For example, fees may include property research and document preparation by an attorney of about $245, notary fees around $10 per signature, and county recording fees of about $40 for a two-page document. Additional postage or parking fees may apply.
Are there any other costs involved in transferring a property deed?
Maybe. If documents other than a deed are needed to complete the transfer, there may be additional legal fees. For instance, if one or more of the current record owners of the property are deceased you may need an Affidavit of Heirship. This additional document adds to the total cost of transferring a property deed.
Will transferring a property deed affect property taxes?
Maybe. Once you file a new property deed, the county tax office may re-assess the property value. If the value has increased since the prior assessment, the future property taxes may also increase. Be sure to contact the county tax office if you have questions.
What happens to property tax exemptions when a property title is transferred?
They may change. For example, if the prior owners received exemptions such as homestead or over-65, and the new owner is not eligible, the property taxes may increase substantially. The increase could even be retroactive. Be sure to check with your county tax office if you have questions.
Are title search, title insurance, or surveys required to transfer property?
Maybe. If the new property owner wants or requires a title search, title insurance, or a survey, each service has additional fees. Title searches are usually a flat fee, title insurance is based on the sales price, and surveys require contacting a local surveyor.
Is there a property Transfer Tax in Texas?
No. There is no Transfer Tax required in Texas as in other states. There is no fee required based on the property’s value or type.
How much does it cost to file an Affidavit of Heirship in Texas?
It depends. The legal fee to have an attorney prepare an Affidavit of Heirship is about $350. Notary fees are around $10 per signature, and county recording fees are usually about $80 depending on the number of pages. Additional postage or parking fees may apply.
Do I need more than one Affidavit of Heirship if there is more than one property owner?
It depends. If there is more than one deceased owner, you may need one Affidavit of Heirship for each owner. If there are several generations of deceased owners, you may need one Affidavit of Heirship for each generation.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, email attorney Scott Steinbach directly at scott@texaspropertydeeds.com.