The change of ownership of a property anywhere in the world is a tough process. It is difficult in the United States if you are quite unfamiliar with steps and procedures before you effect the change. Every aspect of real estate — from land acquisition to land ownership — involves the Law. As every real estate is duly documented and publicly filed.
Whether you are a direct beneficiary of property or you are a homebuyer, there are legal ways to go about the change of ownership. People make the mistake of relying on statutory declaration rather than the confirmatory transfer of property. Unless the statutory confirmation is backed up by formal transfer, upsets are bound to set in later in the future.
To avoid property skirmishes, there are reviews and opinions shared online on us-reviews by realtors and property owners on how they affect the change of ownership. These comments are based on their experience, which include the hire of online legal services needed for this aspect of property claims.
Find below the ideal steps to take to legally transfer the change of ownership of your property.
Discuss the terms of the deed
A property deed shows the terms and conditions of the property in question, the situation of the property that is transferred and the signature of the person effecting a name change.
Ensure the person in whose name you write is well briefed about the terms. Be certain the person understands what is needed to be done. If it is possible to invite attorneys over to the discussion, it would be a great start.
Hire legal services
Deed preparation is a combined effort and requires the expertise of real estate attorneys. Hire their legal services. According to Thumbtack, while most attorneys charge a flat rate, some will charge by the hour, with hourly rates ranging from $150 to $350.
You will need their services for clarification and translation of the deed and in preparation of the warranty deed. The warranty deed offers protection for the person in whose name change the deed is prepared.
Review the terms of the deed
Check the deed for appropriateness in terms of date, time and content. Do this with the attorneys, if any. Go over the deed and examine the details closely. To review means to take a critical look at something. Scan, inspect and scrutinize as you deem necessary. Be sure you are not misled by ambiguous words and obscure legal terms.
Sign the deed
While you effecting the name change can sign, the person in whose name the deed is prepared does not need to. Ensure the signatures are done in the presence of the notary public and any other witnesses/officials.
File the deed
To complete the name change, the deed must be filed. This is done at the local county recorder’s office. Thereafter, you can proceed to paying related fees and taxes
Final step
The journey through name change and property ownership is a herculean task with legal terms and conditions. Some of these conditions can be unclear and would require you exercise patience while you are at it and indulge your attorneys adequately.