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Buying or Selling a Home/buying home with fiance, using maiden name, need to change name on title later to married last name?

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Question
Hi, my fiance and I are buying a home (we close on Monday) in Henrico County. The title will be in both of our names.  We are getting married 3 months later, at which time my last name will change to my fiance's (which will then be husband's) last name.  How do we change my name on the title?  Do we need to?  If so, is there a cost?
Thank you so much for your time.

Answer
Hi Rachel-
Thanks for your question and congratulations on your home and marriage! I actually checked with a title agency on this one. There are different ways of taking title for unmarried couples vs. married couples, joint tenants with the right of survivorship is the best which you can do before you are married, tenants in entirety after. Your title company or attorney can explain the differences to you- they shouldn't charge you for this advice. But yes, you should get it redone after you are married and the costs would include deed preparation and filing (recording) costs. Best of luck, Toni

Buying or Selling a Home

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Toni Yates

Expertise

As a real estate broker and agent for over 12 years, I am qualified to answer questions about buyer and seller agency, home ownership, second home ownership, lake property and basic real estate information and laws as they apply in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Experience

12 years in real estate and a second home owner. Top producer for many years. Have specialised in resort and second home as well as primary home ownership. Also have expertise in equestrian properties. Owner and one of the founders of Re/Max Lake & Country as well as Greenway Horse Farm.

Organizations
National Association of Realtors, Virginia Association of Realtors, Fredericksburd Area Association of Realtors, Richmond Area Real Estate Association and Charlottesville Association of Realtors. Re/Max and the Better Business Bureau.

Education/Credentials
Real estate licensing and broker licensing courses as well as required and optional continuing education in my field.

Awards and Honors
Top producer awards from FAAR and Re/Max.

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