YAREQ (Yet Another Real Estate Question)

[G. Leis]

Hi real estate experts. It's been years since I've posted here on PW, but I have a question for Rabi, Dirgo (if they're still around) or anyone else knowledgeable on the subject.

Mella and I own a couple of lots in Eden Roc and wish to give one of them to our nephew and his new bride as a wedding gift. I've transferred title on property in transactions involving no money in the past here on the mainland simply by filling out a boilerplate quitclaim deed, having it notarized, and recording it with the county. Boom, simple and cheap. However, I know from experience in dealing with other governmental agencies in Hawaii that NOTHING is as seamless there as it is anywhere else. [:p]

It's my understanding that all deeds statewide are recorded with the Bureau of Conveyances in Honolulu rather than in each individual county . . . is this actually the case? Can I do the paperwork myself or are we going to have to hire a RE attorney or title company? If so, any recommendations or other insight would be welcome. Mahalo in advance!

aloha,
Gene

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Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati

[Kapohocat]

Aloha Gene, I think you can call a title co like First American in Hilo and they will do the work for you for a pretty small fee (I wanna say the recording fee charged by the state and a small amount to them.)

[lquade]

say gene. same situation, gave my daughter a lot at her wedding. i used a simple quitclaim but hawaii as i recall had some silly rule (surprize!?!?) about the size of the piece of paper. it has been too long to remember, but call the recorders office and see what size a legal document has to be to record it in Hawaii county. then take your quitclaim to a copy place or on your computer make it exactly the size they request. i think it took us 3 times to get it correct EXACTLY but then it was just paying the recording fees....its been too many years to remember but save yourself alot of money... oh and it has to be notarized also

[G. Leis]

Many thanks for the input, guys. Much appreciated []

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"I've been on food stamps and welfare, did anybody help me out? No." - Craig T. Nelson

[terracore]

Just throwing this out there... are you sure they want a vacant lot? Some people might be put off by getting a gift that comes with an annual tax bill (even though Hawaii property tax bills are small). They might wind up selling it at low ball price that would make you cringe if you found out.

[G. Leis]

Yeah, they know about it - and the $100 annual tax bill - & do want it anyway. The new wife was born in HI (albeit Honolulu) so there's something of a 'local kine girl owning a piece of the ancestral land' vibe going on too. And if they decide to sell it, more power to 'em; it'll be theirs to do whatever the hell they want.

aloha,
Gene

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"I've been on food stamps and welfare, did anybody help me out? No." - Craig T. Nelson