Buying or Selling a Home/title

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Expert: - 1/23/2009


Question
Hello.  My husband and I bought a home for my mother with bad credit.  I do not think she was added to the title at closing.  Can she add it afterward without my knowledge?  If so, what does adding her name entitle her to (she is planning on getting married and I do not want her newest husband to be entitled to the home in any way)?
THANK YOU!

Answer
Hi Jen,

You have a couple of concerns noted in your question...

You can go to your county tax recorders office and pull your title recording to view where it stands... Legally it would have to be notorized somewhere (with your signature) on the new deed to be legal, but fraud does happen.. it is easier to add someone to title than get them off, so be careful with your assets...

You didn't mention what state you reside, here in California, what a person brings to a marriage is their sole and separate property, but keeping that in mind, a spouse could challenge after years of marriage is the monies to maintain the said property were 'co-mingled' keep the payments, maintinance records, taxes etc separate showing how you paid for the items, that way if ever contested it should be in your favor...

The other thing most people do not have is there wills and trusts and the funding of the trust (simply means putting all ASSETS in the trust name) keep your debts in your own name no one wants those... these documents let everyone know exactly what your intentions are should heirs contest... Good luck

Buying or Selling a Home

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Connie Wildasinn-Broker,GRI,RealtorŪ

Expertise

Broker,GRI,RealtorŪ, Investor since 1979. Buying or Selling Residential and Income/Investment Properties, How to understand the process, how to negotiate through the transaction, What to Look for - But more importantly 'What to lookout for!', How to tell if the time is right - or hold on and wait. Why not to listen to your friends and even your family members, Who really has your best interest at heart?. Understand why any market is a good market and how to spot a good investment for you! If you are looking in California.. check out my website www.MetroCalBrokers.com and if you need assistance in a neighborhood I don't service, I will locate a local agent to that area who actually knows their profession and can assist you in your needs!

Experience

4th generation Realtor in the real estate business, I have helped for over 2 decades clients buy and sell, I am the owner of a local brokerage in the Los Angeles /Long Beach area, and have been a top producing agent in the area since I became licensed. Working through a deal is different to every client, no two people or deals are exactly the same. Knowing how to bring professional advise to the table with clear and concise understanding of real estate world. I can help you handle your buying, selling and investing, managing a 1031 Exchange, working with Equity Sales, Probate, Pre-Foreclosure Regular and Short Sales there is little that I have not seen come across my desk over the decades!

Organizations
NAR, CAR, WCR, ABR, e-Pro, GRI, BKBIA, CHNA,SSG

Publications
Broker Agent Magazine Long Beach Business Journal Long Beach Press Telegram Signal Hill Tribune Grunion Gazette All Experts Zillow - Lead Agent - Advise Expert Truila - Advise Expert

Education/Credentials
Broker-owner, RealtorŪ, GRI,e-Pro, SSG-Short Sale Certified

Awards and Honors
Managing Broker for MetroCal Brokers. We merged my old brokerage with MetroCal this year, and we look forward to expansion and growth moving forward. We currently employ 30 Realtors and growing. 15 years running top selling agent in Long Beach, South Bay area California. Top Producer 5 years straight Re/Max, C21, Realtyworld.

Past/Present Clients
upon request = or check out our website www.MetroCalBrokers.com and check the Testimonials section!

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