home owner name change question

annie249

hi girls! question for those that own houses- when you changed your name after marriage, did you change it on the deed and title of your house? is this neccessary if it is changed on everything else?  I didnt even think of it until I attempted to change it on the water bill, and they said they need proof of name change on the deed of the house first.  thanks!

foolforfood

It's not necessary to prepare a new deed.  Depending on where you live, it'll cost as much as $150 to record it.   Your utility company should be ok with just seeing the old deed and a certified copy of your marriage license.  Anything else and they are pushing it.

ooodsie

Don't waste your time.. most times, it doesnt ever even get fully changed and when you go to sell you'll be signing your maiden name a billion times anyway.  I would call your mortgage company though and change it with them, since youre making payments to them regularly.  But as far as the title and deed go, not a big deal at all.  I'm a realtor and I'd say 90% of the couples I deal with who are selling their houses after they got married have their maiden names on the deed, it's very common and won't cause you problems down the road. 

foolforfood

BTW, I meant to say marriage cert, not license. I would also avoid contacting your lender re: your name change.  I'm 99% sure they won't revise the docs (or their file on you) to reflect your married name.  The mortgagor info must always match the deed info. 

annie249

thanks guys!