Jill’s House is a non-profit that provides short-term, overnight care to families raising children with intellectual disabilities in the DC metro area, and around the country. While their kids engage in fun activities tailored to their interests and abilities, parents receive 24-48 hours to rest and recharge.
“The first thing I felt when I walked in the door, complete peace, joy and serenity and absolute love and compassion, no judgment,” mom Holly Sorell said. As a military family, Holly and her family do not have relatives in the area to watch their children, including their son Jacob, who needs care 24/7. It is designed to look like a resort for those who visit, and because of Jill’s House families, like Holly’s, can get rest.
“For the vast majority of the of the parents, the families we serve, we think around 85percent of them have never had their child spend the night away from them,” Dana Hecht, vice president of Compliance and Family Support Services of Jill’s House.
“Jill’s House seems like an amazing organization helping renew and recharge the relationships between children’s intellectual disabilities and their families. I know firsthand what it’s like to have a family member with a disability and how much it means to the families who are part of your programs the way that you help them. We want to help you continue to do that by donating $2,000 to your cause so that you can continue to build these relationships and improve the lives who need it most. Continue to do the amazing work you’re doing,” Joel Bassam of Easterns Automotive Group said.
“I have no words but thank you very, very much. There are so many families that this will bless. Thank you so much,” Sorell said, floored by the surprise donation.
Whether you are gifting or selling a car to a family member, you must follow the necessary steps to ensure the vehicle’s title and ownership are transferred correctly. Some documents and fees may vary depending on whether you live in Maryland or Virginia, but the process is essentially the same.
Regardless of the state you are living in, you will need the right forms and paperwork to successfully transfer a vehicle’s title.
Personal documents including a government-issued ID and proof of valid insurance.
The original title certificate must have the “Assignment of Title By Owner” section completed with the necessary information regarding the seller and buyer.
An odometer statement if the title doesn’t allow space for the vehicle’s milage.
Proof of sale including a bill of sale and/or a Vehicle Price Certificate (SUT 1) if the car is over five years old.
A vehicle safety inspection must be conducted, and you must have a valid safety inspection certificate in hand. Proof of emissions may also be required.
A lien release form if the buyer is taking over a lien on the vehicle.
Can You Gift a Car to a Family Member?
Yes, both Maryland and Virginia allow family members to gift vehicles to one another. The process of transferring a title when the vehicle is considered a gift is similar to selling or purchasing a vehicle. Both parties must complete a vehicle title transfer at the DMV or MVA.
When filling out the title, it is important to write “0” or “GIFT” in the purchase price section anytime you are gifting a vehicle. The recipient may be responsible for paying some taxes on the vehicle, including what’s called “excise tax,” which is based on the vehicle’s purchase price, mileage and age.
You can often avoid paying excise tax if the giver and recipient meet the necessary relationship requirements identified in your state’s gift certificate form. In most cases, if both parties share a last name, the excise tax will not be charged. Check your local DMV or MVA for state-specific relationship requirements when gifting a vehicle.
How Much Does It Cost to Transfer a Car Title?
Vehicle title transfer fees start at $15 or $100 depending on which state you are transferring the title in. It’s possible that additional fees may be charged. Visit your local DMV or MVA to learn about the costs involved with transferring a title.
The buyer or recipient will also need to pay vehicle registration fees. These costs vary by vehicle and the state where the vehicle is titled.
Can You Transfer Ownership Without a Title?
Ownership cannot be transferred to someone else without a title in hand. If the vehicle you are gifting, selling or buying doesn’t have a valid title, you will need to apply for a duplicate title. It can cost anywhere from $15 to $20 to request a duplicate title.
This does not exempt you from other title and registration fees. Once you receive the duplicate title in the mail, you will still be required to visit your local DMV or MVA and pay all applicable title transfer fees.
Do Car Dealerships Handle Title Transfers?
When purchasing a new or used car from a licensed dealer like Easterns Automotive, the buyer doesn’t have to worry about filing the title and registration paperwork. The dealer should accept and submit all documentation to the DMV or MVA on behalf of the buyer.
If you are transferring ownership of a vehicle you currently own, you will need to work directly with your local DMV or MVA office to complete the title transfer.
Licensed Used Car Dealership in Maryland and Virginia
Have you recently sold or gifted your vehicle? Get a great price or your next vehicle at Easterns. We have an extensive inventory of pre-owned vehicles to choose from and buyer-friendly financing — no matter your credit background.
Give us a call at 877-867-0641 or visit one of our eight locations in DC, Maryland or Virginia to learn more.
While it is illegal to sell a car without proof of ownership in most jurisdictions, there are legal ways to sell a car even if you don’t physically have (or can’t find) the title. States that have an Electronic Lien and Titling (ELT) Program like Maryland and Virginia will allow you to trade in a car without a title. This is because dealerships have access to the ELT database so they can confirm and transfer vehicle ownership seamlessly.
If you are conducting a private sale, you are required to have the vehicle’s title in hand or you may request a duplicate if your title was lost, stolen or damaged. Prior to selling, be sure to request your new or duplicate title several weeks before, as titles can take time to process. You must request the duplicate title from the state the vehicle is registered in. Once you receive the duplicate title, it will void the original.
When selling a vehicle that is financed or has a lien on it, you will need to reach out to the lender directly. They will be able to guide you through the process and ensure the sale and title transfer goes smoothly.
Why Does Your Vehicle Need a Title?
When you purchase a new or used car, you are provided legal proof of ownership (A.K.A. the title). If you are financing or leasing a car, you will likely never see the physical title unless you purchase the vehicle outright.
Titles can vary state by state but generally they list the following information about the vehicle:
Vehicle’s make, model, color, body style and manufacturing year
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Mileage at the time of the purchase
License plate number
Buyer’s name, address and issue date
What Are the Types of Car Titles?
Over a car’s lifetime, the title can change depending on the vehicle’s condition. Some of the most common types of titles are:
Clear – The most desirable car title available and the only one that lenders will approve for a car loan.
Salvage – This title is issued to a car that has seen a significant decrease in value due to a crash, theft or subsequent repairs.
Rebuilt/reconstructed – The insurance company or body shop where the rebuild took place will issue this title after an inspection deems it safe to drive in public.
Bonded – A vehicle with missing ownership documents will be given this title. It’s valid for three to five years and protects the new owner from potential ownership disputes.
Are Some Car Sales Exempt from Title Requirements?
Under certain conditions, you may not always need a vehicle’s title in order to sell it. Of course, it depends on the rules and regulations of your jurisdiction, but in special circumstances, you can sell a car without a title.
A standardized bill of sale form may suffice for proof of ownership if the vehicle is more than 15 to 25 years old. In states that don’t require a standardized form, any bill of sale template should suffice.
A transfer of ownership without a title may be a feasible option in some states that allow it. The buyer would then need to obtain a title for the vehicle. Additional documentation may be required.
Selling to an out-of-state buyer without a title can be difficult if your state has deemed the car exempt. You or the buyer should confirm the other state’s rules and regulations. You may need to provide the buyer with a copy of the vehicle’s registration in your state.
Sell Your Car to Easterns Automotive
If you live in the DC, Maryland or Virginia areas, Easterns Automotive is here to help you sell your car. As one of the leading pre-owned dealerships around, we pride ourselves on creating a stress-free environment that takes the pressure off car sellers.
We understand that getting a car ready to sell can be an overwhelming task. At Easterns, you don’t have to worry about meeting potential buyers for test drives or handling the paperwork when finalizing the sale. We take care of the logistics for you so you can focus on finding your next vehicle.
Our diverse pre-owned inventory makes it easy to find the car you want. Learn more about our trade-in offers and how we can help by calling us at 877-867-0641.
It’s not uncommon to sell a car with an existing loan, especially if your situation changes two or three years into a five- or six-year loan. Car buyers in DC, Maryland and Virginia often look to sell their vehicles after a big life change such as getting married or starting a family. Simply put, if you have a loan on your car, it doesn’t mean you’re necessarily stuck with the vehicle until you pay it off.
You can sell a financed vehicle in one of four ways:
Some of those options require more work than others. For example, if you want to sell your vehicle to a private buyer, you’ll generally need to pay off the loan first. If you’re willing to sell or trade-in your vehicle to a dealer, they can deal with the logistical hassles of getting rid of the loan for you.
Whether you’re looking for a dealership trade-in or to sell the car outright, there are a few steps to consider before selling a financed vehicle.
Ask Your Lender for the Payoff Amount
Before you can sell any car with a loan, check with the lender you financed through and ask about the selling process. If you are still making payments on your loan, the lender has possession of the title and ownership of the vehicle until the loan is paid off and the title is transferred. These two things must take place before a financed vehicle can be sold.
The “payoff amount” is how much it will cost to own your car outright. This number will include the loan balance and interest along with any other financing fees or prepayment penalties. When you ask your lender for the payoff amount, they are required to provide you with an offer that’s valid for 10 days.
In addition to requesting the payoff amount, you can discuss next steps with your lender before deciding which route you’d like to take.
Do Your Research to Know Your Car’s Worth
Anytime you go to sell or trade-in a vehicle, make sure you know its value. The used car climate is constantly changing, so having an estimate of your car’s worth can be helpful when it’s time to sell. Keep in mind that your car’s value may change depending on how you plan to sell it (i.e., private or dealer).
If you don‘t have one already, you can get a quote on a number of vehicle valuation sites like Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds. Be sure to have your car’s make, model, mileage and VIN number ready for the most accurate quote.
At Easterns Automotive Group we pride ourselves on providing fast and accurate quotes to customers. You can get a solid purchase offer from our team in a matter of hours.
Determine Your Equity
Once you have the payoff amount and the value of your financed vehicle, you can then calculate your equity. You can do this by subtracting the payoff amount from the car’s estimated value. The remaining value is your current equity.
A quick way to tell if you have positive or negative equity is by your car’s value. If the value of your vehicle is higher than your loan payoff amount, then you have positive equity. If the payoff amount is higher than your car’s worth, then you are “upside down” on your loan — meaning you have negative equity.
You can still sell your vehicle even if you have negative equity. Car sellers have two options in this scenario: you can sell the vehicle and pay off the remainder of the loan out of pocket or you can roll the remainder of your loan (minus what you got for selling your car) into your next auto loan.
Easterns Automotive can help you get a great pre-owned vehicle, even if you have negative equity in your current car.
Selling Privately Versus Selling or Trading at a Dealership
When you’re ready to sell your financed vehicle, you will need to decide if you’d rather sell to a private buyer or to a dealership. This is when it’s important to consider things like the ease of transaction, final purchase price, your credit score, etc.
Selling to a private buyer used to be the preferred way to sell a used vehicle because sellers would typically get closer to their asking price. Now, because of recent shortages of new and used cars on the market, that may not always be the case. Dealerships are eager to buy used cars at great prices to maintain their inventory.
While it’s possible to still get more for your vehicle through a private buyer, there is a lot more work required on your end to complete the transaction. This is where a used car dealership can step in and help you obtain your payoff quote, make all final payments, and take care of the title for you. This is a great route if you’re looking to upgrade your current vehicle by trading it in for a newer model.
Find a Trusted Used Car Dealer in DC, Maryland and Virginia
Easterns Automotive is committed to helping our customers sell and finance their used car purchases quickly and efficiently. We are committed to guiding local car sellers through the selling process to ensure an easy, stress-free experience.
We also offer competitive pricing for used vehicle trade-ins and great financing options — no matter your credit history.
Lacy Fields is the owner of Therapeutique Salon and Spa in Rockville, but she also created a foundation called Black Girls Rockville that works to give back to the community.
Black Girls Rockville hosts an event called Breakfast and Haircuts, where they provide styling services to those experiencing homelessness. At the last event, they served 66 people. One of her clients, owner of Stevens Transportation Group, loved the work that Black Girls Rockville is doing and volunteered to provide transportation for those in need to the salon.
Therapeutique Salon’s master stylist, Mackenzie Dehaut, shared how much joy it brought her to see their eyes light up and make them feel like they matter.
Amazed by the work they are doing in their community, we wanted to Pay It Forward with a special surprise. Lacy was exstatic and burst into tears when she received a check for $2000
Educate Fairfax works year-round to make sure students have supplies throughout the year. The organization provides school supply kits, backpacks, gift cards, personal hygiene items, computers, and laptops.
180,000 students in Fairfax county and about a third of them qualify for free and reduced meals, which means their volunteers are working to provide school supplies for about 60,000 students. This not only helps to take the pressure off of students but also teachers. “Teachers are known for going out and using their own fund to buy things for their students, and we want to make sure that they don’t have to do that,” Padmore explained.
Easterns Automotive Group wanted to support this amazing cause by providing a 7News Helping Hand.
Joel Bassam joined virtually with a message for their team, “Educate Fairfax is an amazing organization supporting both the students and teachers of Fairfax County Public Schools. We wanted to help you guys out by donating $2,000 to support 200 students to get their school year started off right by providing school supplies. Continue doing the amazing work you are doing. We can’t wait to see you again.”
They were ecstatic about this donation and shared that each kit cost about $10 and this will help them provide for about 200 students.
