How to add the name on housewhen refinance? LA, CA?

Question

Our house is under my husband's name only for now. Since we are planning to refinance the house, could I add my name on the title as well? If so, how do I prepare for that?

Thanks,
Gina

Answer 1

You don't need to do anything now if you are planning on refinancing. California is a community property state and it will be required that a married couple both be on title. When the Loan Officer requests the title commitment from the title company for the refinance, they will prepare it accordingly. You would be required to sign a few documents at closing, assuming you are not on the loan itself. If you are on the loan, meaning your income is being used for the loan, you will automatically be placed on the title.

Answer 2

All you have to do is get a Grant Deed for your county and fill it out (can be obtained at recorders office, title companies, and other public places). It must be notarized as well. Have that sent over to the county recorders office, and for a small fee they will process it for you. Make sure you keep a receipt and instrument date. Sometimes it can take up to 60 days to show up on title, but that is extremely rare. If you want to refinance in the future and your name does not show up on the Preliminary Title Report, just give the instrument number to your Escrow/Title company and they can update it.
Be aware, SOME lenders will not lend to someone who has been on title for less than 12 months.

Answer 3

Before the time of closing ask for your name to be added to the title as well as the mortgage deed, there will be additional papers to be signed by you as well as your husband agreeing to the change and it's all done. Good luck.

Answer 4

It's not difficult. He needs to sign a "quit claim deed" from himself, to the two of you. It needs to meet the state filing requirements, which I don't really know what CA's are, but it isn't hard. The attorney putting together the loan can and should be willing to do it for you.