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Buying or Selling a Home/Removing deceased husband's name
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Question
Hello Jim,
My husband just pasted away a few weeks ago and I received his death certificate in the mail today. We live in California. The house that I'm living in right now (also in CA) is under BOTH of our names. Since he pasted away and a death certificate has been issued, will his name be automatically removed from the house or do we have to contact a governmental agency? The deed to the house also contains both of our names....do I have a file for an updated one? If so, how should I proceed? Thank you for you assistance during this difficult time.
WENDY--
I'm so sorry for your loss! Actually, as every State has its own Real Estate laws, policies and procedures,I can't give you a specific answer to your questions. But here's what I suggest you do:
(1)Check this out with the Funeral Direcor who handled the Services/Burial. He/she should know the CA procedures.
(2) If you have an Attorney handling the estate, task him/her with taking care of this matter for you.
(3) If no Lawyer involved in estate,call Customer Service or a Title Officer at the Title Insurance Company that holds your Title Policy and have them either handle this for you OR give you a "Chcklist" on what you have to do.
Sorry I couldn't be more precise, but think my advice will help you.
May your Husband rest in peace!
--JIM
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Jim Root
Expertise
How to select the right Real Estate Salesperson & Loan Officer--ones who will serve your best interests! House-hunting tips & suggestions on selection of the home best for your family needs. Introduction to the Home Buying Process & all the "Players" involved.What is of utmost important to the Homebuyer? Real Estate Contracts & Negotiations, Appraisal needs, Title Co. involvement, Home Inspection issues& the Closing/Escrow systems, etc. Whatever your question, the answer will follow, whether from personal knowledge or research! Gale, shown here with me, has been a Real Estate Office Administrator, licensed Realtor & has served as my Research Assistant over the years!
Experience
Over 30 years as a "Real Estate Professional." including Real Estate Marketing & Sales, Appraisal work, Mortgage Banking & as a Realty Officer with U.S Dept. of HUD's FHA Homeownership Division in Alaska, Washington & Idaho! Some experience in Montana, California, Utah & Nevada markets!Knowledge of National Markets by continuous Research!
Organizations
Former member of Nat'l Ass'n of Realtors (NAR) & Mortgage Bankers Ass'n of America (MBAA). Currently with National Association of Review Appraisers & Mortgage Underwriters (NARA/MU).
Publications
Published in various local, state, regional & national Real Estate-related magazines & newsletters!Co-author of various Govt. publications on Homeownership, Appraisals & Mortgages while with HUD/FHA.
Education/Credentials
Associate Degree in Real Estate Studies plus:
Numerous Real Estate-related Courses conducted by the U. S. Government & Private Industry over the past 30 years.
Bachelors Degree in Mass Communications,
Masters Degree in Education/Teaching
Awards and Honors
Professional Designations: Certified Residential Originator (CRO) from MBAA, Registered Mortgage Underwiter (RMU) & Certified Review Appraiser (CRA) from NARA/MU. Outstanding Peformance Awards for 10 of the 12 years with HUD/FHA & numerous Sales/Listing Awards while a licensed Real Estate Agent.
Past/Present Clients
No longer selling/listing Real Estate, nor Appraising properties, nor working in the Mortgage business, this "Real Estate Pro" serves as Director of a Company that provides Professional Development Seminars & Workshops to the "Real Estate Industry" and provides free (as needed) & fee-paid (on a sliding scale) consulting & inspection services to members of the general public.Your questions will be answered without "salesmanship" & with your best interests in mind!
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