{"id":2322,"date":"2022-07-04T11:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-07-04T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/?p=2322"},"modified":"2024-04-25T23:18:43","modified_gmt":"2024-04-26T03:18:43","slug":"im-changing-my-name-what-about-the-house-title","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.deeds.com\/articles\/im-changing-my-name-what-about-the-house-title\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019m Changing My Name. What About the House Title?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Your house title should state your current legal name. Of course, there are other documents that prove your identity. But having the correct name on the title will save steps when you want to sell or take a loan out on your home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So here\u2019s a brief guide to changing the title to your home<\/a> after changing your name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Make the Right Calls<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Call your mortgage company and let the representative know that you\u2019ll be using a deed to change the title into your new name. Request any relevant information from the mortgage company. This is important to do as soon as possible \u2014 and it\u2019s best done before you change your name. Do you have title insurance<\/a>? Call the insurer, to find out if you need to submit name change documentation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your name is the only one on the deed, you might be filing and recording a quitclaim deed into your new name using formerly known as<\/em> (abbreviated FKA) with your prior name. Example: Erin O\u2019Connor, FKA Eireann O\u2019Connor.  <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new deed will then be filed and recorded to your new name (in this example, Erin O\u2019Connor). Your mortgage consultant and title insurer may have pointers on the customary signings of FKA documents in your location \u2014 another helpful reason to speak with the professionals who worked with your existing title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your home is titled in the names of you and a co-owner, you\u2019ll be recording just one new deed, with your formerly known as<\/em> name and your co-owner\u2019s name as grantor, and your new name and your co-owner\u2019s name as the grantee. Both will sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note:<\/em><\/strong> Always be ready with several original (raised seal) court orders of your name change, especially for the first several years after having your name change done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Deed the Home From Your Prior Name to Your New Name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The simplest and most inexpensive way to change your name on the title is by creating a\u00a0quitclaim deed<\/a>. You can download the correct form at Deeds.com<\/em>. No warranties are included with a quitclaim, and in this case, none are necessary. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carefully copy all the information on your existing deed \u2014 including the property address, tax ID or parcel number, the county in which your home exists, and the legal description \u2014 onto your new document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The right form matters. At Deeds.com we\u2019re meticulous in offering you reliable, up-to-date, and useful documents. To <\/em><\/strong>find a quitclaim deed form<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, find your state, select \u201cquitclaim deed\u201d and then select your county.<\/em><\/strong><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
Write in the date, the grantor\u2019s name (your prior name), and the name of the grantee (your new name). For formerly known as<\/em> information, refer to Step 1 above. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Have the quitclaim notarized and witnessed as required in your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3. Have Your New Deed Recorded in the County<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For the title change to be effective, the new deed must be recorded. This way, the change is public and searchable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whenever the title changes from one name to the next, the <\/em><\/strong>real estate legal description<\/em><\/strong><\/a> must be copied precisely. The legal description proves that the property is exactly as it\u2019s shown on the deed.<\/em><\/strong><\/pre>\n\n\n\n
For a fee, you can file your quitclaim deed with the county recorder of deeds. From the day of recording, anyone looking up the title to your home will find the latest recorded deed, under your new name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How much is the deed recording fee<\/a>? It varies \u2014 from zero to more than $100. The best way to know is to call the office of the county recorder of deeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note:<\/em><\/strong> Quitclaim deed requirements vary by state as to how signatures, notarization and witnessing is to be done. Be sure to choose the right form<\/a> for your location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Notes on Name Changes Through Marriage, Death of a Partner, or Divorce<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
If a couple holds the title as joint tenants or tenants by the entirety and one dies, the survivor need not remove the deceased spouse\u2019s name from the deed to show that you are now the sole owner of the home. That said, there are reasons to do so. We offer insights on whether to remove a deceased co-owner from the title<\/a> for your consideration. Consult a local attorney or title company for case-specific advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Do notify the mortgage company and your homeowner\u2019s and title insurance companies that the co-owner has died.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you enter into a marriage or life partnership, changing the name on the deed to your new name is not mandatory, but could be beneficial given your particular legal and personal situation. Look to your state and county for organizations that may offer recommendations and assistance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n