Published October 26, 2025

How to Add a Family Member to Your Home Title in Oregon: A Complete Guide

Written by Rosie Bosworth

How to Add a Family Member to Your Home Title in Oregon: A Complete Guide header image.

Adding someone to your property title in Oregon involves several steps. Here's what you need to know:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Ownership

Choose which ownership structure (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, or tenancy by the entirety) best fits your situation and goals.

Step 2: Prepare a New Deed

You'll need to create a new deed that includes the additional owner. In Oregon, the most common deed types are:

Warranty Deed: Provides the most protection; guarantees clear title
Bargain and Sale Deed: Common in Oregon; provides some protections
Quitclaim Deed: Transfers whatever interest you have; provides least protection but is simplest

Pro tip: For adding family members, a quitclaim deed is often used because it's straightforward and cost-effective. However, consult with a real estate attorney to determine the best option for your situation.

Step 3: Complete the Deed Properly

Your deed must include:

Legal description of the property (from your current deed or tax records)
Names of current owner(s) (grantors)
Names of all new owners (grantees)
Type of ownership (joint tenancy, tenancy in common, etc.)
Notarized signatures of current owner(s)

Step 4: File the Deed with Your County Recorder

In Oregon, property deeds must be recorded with the county recorder's office where the property is located:

Multnomah County (Portland)
Washington County (Hillsboro, Beaverton)
Clackamas County (Oregon City, Lake Oswego)
Marion County (Salem)
And all other Oregon counties

Recording fees: Typically $50-$100 depending on the county and number of pages.

Step 5: Notify Your Mortgage Lender (If Applicable)

CRITICAL: If you have a mortgage on your property, adding someone to the title may trigger your loan's "due-on-sale" clause, which could require you to pay off the entire mortgage immediately.

What to do:

Contact your lender BEFORE making any changes
Explain your situation and get written approval
Consider alternatives if your lender objects

Step 6: Update Your Homeowner's Insurance

Notify your insurance company that you've added someone to the title. This ensures all owners are properly covered.

Step 7: Consider Tax Implications

Adding someone to your title may have tax consequences:

Gift tax: The IRS may consider adding someone to your title a gift
Property tax reassessment: In most cases, Oregon property taxes won't be reassessed for adding family members, but check with your county assessor
Capital gains tax: May affect future tax liability when the property is sold

Recommendation: Consult with a tax professional before making changes to your title.

Important Considerations Before Adding Someone to Your Title

✓ Mortgage and Lender Approval

As mentioned, your mortgage lender may have restrictions. Always check first.

✓ Medicaid and Government Benefits

If you're planning for Medicaid eligibility, transferring property can affect your qualification. Medicaid has a 5-year "look-back" period for asset transfers.

✓ Creditor Issues

Once someone is on your title, their creditors may be able to place liens on the property. If the person you're adding has debt issues, this could put your home at risk.

✓ Relationship Changes

Divorce, family disputes, or relationship breakdowns can complicate shared property ownership. Consider what happens if circumstances change.

✓ Loss of Control

Once you add someone to your title, you may need their permission to sell, refinance, or make major decisions about the property.

Alternatives to Adding Someone to Your Title

Before adding a family member to your title, consider these alternatives:

Transfer on Death Deed (TOD Deed)

Oregon allows Transfer on Death Deeds, which let you name a beneficiary who will automatically inherit your property when you die—WITHOUT giving up control during your lifetime.

Benefits:

You maintain full control while alive
Avoids probate
Can be revoked or changed at any time
No gift tax implications
Protects against beneficiary's creditors

Learn more: [Link to your future TOD Deed blog post]

Living Trust

A revocable living trust allows you to transfer property to beneficiaries while avoiding probate and maintaining control.

Life Estate Deed

You retain the right to live in and use the property for life, while the remainder interest passes to your chosen beneficiary.

Common Questions About Adding Family Members to Oregon Home Titles

Q: Will my property taxes increase if I add someone to my title?

A: In most cases, no. Oregon's property tax system is based on assessed value, and adding a family member typically doesn't trigger reassessment. However, check with your county assessor to confirm.

Q: Can I add someone to my title if I still have a mortgage?

A: Technically yes, but your lender may object or call the loan due. Always get lender approval first.

Q: How much does it cost to add someone to a home title in Oregon?

A: Costs typically include:

Recording fees: $50-$100
Attorney fees (if used): $300-$1,000+
Title search (optional): $100-$300

Q: Can I remove someone from the title later?

A: Only with their consent. They would need to sign a quitclaim deed transferring their interest back to you.

Q: Do I need an attorney?

A: While not legally required, consulting a real estate attorney is highly recommended to ensure the deed is prepared correctly and you understand all implications.

Portland Metro & Oregon-Specific Considerations

If you own property in the Portland Metro area—including Hillsboro, Beaverton, Gresham, Tigard, Tualatin, or surrounding communities—here are local factors to consider:

High home values: With median home prices in the $550K-$570K range, the financial stakes are significant
Multigomah County recording: Multnomah County offers online deed recording for faster processing
Oregon homestead exemption: Oregon's homestead exemption protects up to $40,000 of home equity from creditors (as of 2025)
Local real estate attorneys: Work with professionals familiar with Oregon property law

Next Steps: Protecting Your Oregon Home

Adding a family member to your home title is a significant decision that requires careful planning and professional guidance. Here's what to do next:

Clarify your goals: Why do you want to add someone to your title?
Explore alternatives: Consider Transfer on Death Deeds or living trusts
Consult professionals: Speak with a real estate attorney and tax advisor
Contact your lender: Get approval if you have a mortgage
Prepare the deed: Work with a professional to ensure accuracy
Record properly: File with your county recorder's office

Get Expert Guidance for Your Oregon Home

Navigating property title transfers can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. As a bilingual real estate professional serving all of Oregon, I'm here to help you understand your options and connect you with trusted legal and financial professionals.

Whether you're in Portland, Hillsboro, Salem, or anywhere in Oregon, I offer:

Free consultations to discuss your property goals
Homebuyer education classes covering ownership, financing, and more
Bilingual support in English and Spanish
Connections to trusted attorneys and title companies

Important Disclaimer

Please note: I am a licensed real estate professional, not a title officer, real estate attorney, or tax advisor. The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice.

Adding someone to your home title is a significant legal and financial decision with potential consequences that vary based on your unique situation. Before making any changes to your property title, I strongly recommend consulting with:

A qualified real estate attorney who specializes in Oregon property law
A tax professional to understand potential tax implications
A title company representative to ensure proper documentation and recording

I'm here to help connect you with trusted professionals. As part of my commitment to serving the Oregon community, I work with experienced title companies, real estate attorneys, and financial advisors who can provide the specialized guidance you need.

Ready to take the next step? Contact me today, and I'll connect you with the right professionals for your situation—at no cost or obligation to you.

📞 971-864-0381
📧 rosie@bosworthhomes.com
🌐 bosworthhomes.com

About Rosie Bosworth

Rosie Bosworth is a bilingual real estate professional serving homebuyers and sellers throughout Oregon. With a background in mortgage lending and a passion for community education, Rosie specializes in helping first-time homebuyers and the Latino community navigate the path to homeownership. Fully fluent in English and Spanish, Rosie is committed to making real estate accessible and understandable for all Oregonians.