“[N]o man’s life, liberty or fortune is safe while the legislature is in session.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Christopher S. Mulvaney,

Attorney and Counselor-at-Law

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THIS WEBSITE INCLUDES GENERAL INFORMATION & THE OPINIONS OF CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY. IT IS INTENDED TO STIMULATE A BASIS FOR QUESTIONS RELATED TO YOUR PARTICULAR FACTUAL CIRCUMSTANCES — BEFORE YOU ACT.  THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE LEGAL ADVICE. IF YOU WANT LEGAL ADVICE, PLEASE MAKE A ZOOM APPOINTMENT TO SPEAK WITH ME.

CONTACT CHRISTOPHER S. MULVANEY FORM

DISCLAIMER:

The use of email or this form for communication with MULVANEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC does not establish an Attorney-Client Relationship. If you don’t think I have responded, please check your spam folder. Time-sensitive information should not be sent through this Form or through email. Sensitive information can be uploaded to an encrypted Dropbox folder in your client file. Google Review Link Yelp Review Link

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Gonzaga University School of Law – Spokane, Washington – Class of 2002 – Cum Laude The Latin phrase “Deo patriae, scientiis, artibus” translates to “For God and country through sciences and arts”.  The initials A.M.D.G. on the seal of Gonzaga Law School stand for Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam, which is Latin for “For the Greater Glory of God” the Motto of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits): a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola.

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Why is it important to Quitclaim a rental property into an LLC?

Transferring a rental property into an LLC using a quitclaim deed can be a strategic move, primarily for asset protection. 

Why is it important?

• Shielding personal assets: The primary benefit is that an LLC acts as a legal shield, separating your personal assets from potential lawsuits or debts related to the rental property.
• Liability protection: If a tenant or visitor is injured on your property and brings a lawsuit, the lawsuit would be directed at the LLC, not your personal assets.
• Estate Planning: It simplifies estate planning and succession as you can transfer ownership of the LLC through membership interests rather than transferring deeds.
• Potential tax benefits: Depending on the jurisdiction, transferring property to an LLC may offer tax advantages, such as deductions for expenses like maintenance and mortgage interest. 

In addition to the Quitclaim Deed itself (sample below,.

a Real Estate Excise Tax Affidavit (REETA) is also required in order to claim the tax exemption for a transfer into a an LLC owned in the same percentages as the property is owned (half each by a married couple for example). Below is a sample.

You must also contract with the Tenant as President of your LLC. I can prepare the QCD & REETA for you, but you need to pay to record it.

Recording (Making a Public County Record) of Quitclaim Deeds, Transfer on Death Deeds, & Deeds of Trust) is not covered by Legal Insurance.  
You can record real estate deeds by mail for $316.50 each (by mailing two copies and the check for the fee, plus a postage paid return envelope) which takes about 4 months; or 
Please pay the  $400 per deed cost of Recording Electronically with this ZELLE QR CODE or use csmulvaney@gmail.com 425-786-3470.
You can use this LawPay Link to send an ECheck; or charge on a Visa or Mastercard if you can’t use Zelle or your bank account.I can electronically record only with the King County Recorder, which takes about 1 day. Real Estate Deeds are not effective unless recorded (made a public record) during your life.  

The emailed PDF of the Deed with the instrument number, date and time of recording is the only proof of electronic recording you will receive.  Here are the links to the Snohomish County Recorder and Pierce County Recorder. 
CAUTION: You must keep a copy of your Trust if you record a Deed leaving property to the Trust, name the Trust as Beneficiary,or open an account in the name of the Trust.  Both a paper and electronic copy should be kept since the Trust will be needed to access the assets.

 

There are free Limited Practice Officer Forms available for your use.

Fees

Document	Fees	Fees effective July 27, 2025
Deed of Trust	$304.50 $1 for each additional page	$304.50 $1 for each additional page
Assignment of Deed of Trust Appointment of Successor Trustee Resignation of Successor Trustee	$18 $1 for each additional page	$301 $1 for each additional page
Death Certificate Government Liens (State, County, Municipal)	$18 $1 for each additional page	$18 $1 for each additional page
Orders Changing Name	$203.50	$203.50
Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, Form DD 214	No fee	No fee
All other documents	$303.50 $1 for each additional page	$303.50 $1 for each additional page

Note: When recording multiple titles in one document, additional recording fees are required for each title, but additional page fees do not apply.

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Washington State residents can meet with me in Zoom/DocuSign from anywhere in the world, and I can notarize their electronic signatures because I am a remote online notary.  Just email me an image of your photo ID.