Behind the Build: Transfer on Death Deeds

By Lacey Studnicka, Chief Program Officer

What’s the catch?”

I hear that all the time when Habitat Omaha tells homeowners we’ll help them create a Transfer on Death Deed — for free.

People assume something this useful must come with a cost. Or at least a stipulation.

It doesn’t.

A Transfer on Death Deed allows a homeowner to pass their home directly to someone they choose without going through probate court.

That matters because probate can be expensive, complicated, and very slow. And if a home gets tangled up in probate court, families can lose the property altogether. Meanwhile, it sits empty while disputes and legal fees pile up.

We saw this happening firsthand in Omaha, especially in neighborhoods where homeownership was difficult in the first place.

So we set out to change that.

Today, Habitat hosts Transfer on Death Deed clinics where homeowners can sit down with volunteer attorneys and complete the paperwork for free.

Here’s what that looks like behind the scenes:

Transfer on Death Deeds

251 homeowners completed Transfer on Death Deeds through Habitat Omaha clinics last year alone.

Volunteer attorneys, law students, and notaries donate their time so families don’t have to pay thousands in legal fees.

The goal is simple: help families protect their home so it can be passed down, not lost in the system.

A home is often a family’s biggest asset. In the U.S., home equity makes up roughly 45% to 65% of a homeowner’s net worth, making it one of the primary ways families build wealth over time.

Sometimes strengthening a community means building new homes. And sometimes it means making sure families can keep the ones they already have.

Learn more about our TODD clinics here and register for an upcoming event.

Thank you for supporting this work and being there for your neighbors.

About This Series
Behind the Build takes you behind the scenes to see how Habitat for Humanity of Omaha is transforming homeownership throughout the Omaha area. You’ll get an exclusive look at the impact of your support and the innovative ways we’re giving hardworking families the chance to build a lasting legacy. Read the rest of the series here.