At Habitat for Humanity, we know that homeownership is the key to a family’s financial future. Iowans deserve affordable opportunities to build stability and generational wealth. Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds help Iowa homeowners pass on their asset to their families.

Iowans are subject to the high cost and prolonged process of probate to transfer their home to their family, even if they have a will. TOD deeds are a type of beneficiary deed that allow a non-probate transfer of real property, similar to your bank or retirement accounts. Adopting the Real Property Transfer on Death Act would save Iowans time and money by being simple and straightforward.

• Even if a person has a will, the cost of probate is expensive and out of reach for many Iowans.
• TOD is a suitable tool for many Iowans with simple estates, especially for those unlikely to undergo estate planning.
• TOD deeds for real estate are a proven tool since they were first adopted in Missouri in 1989. Today, over 30 states – including Iowa’s neighbors – have implemented TOD deeds.
• Owners retain control of their property. TOD deeds are fully revocable, and beneficiaries have no ownership claim to property while the owner is alive.
• TOD deeds defend Iowans’ property rights and personal estate decisions.

Iowa is Behind Other States

Iowans should be able to choose freely and easily how to leave their assets, including real property. Let’s build a future that respects property rights and strengthens Iowa families. Transfer on Death Deeds will keep government out of family decisions, protect hard-earned property, and help the next generation of Iowans build their lives.

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