Legal Name Change on Warranty Deed - Pros, Cons? Is it Necessary?

[Sarah Msuya]

Hello everyone,

I am brand new to Bigger Pockets and my journey as a real estate investor.

I own my primary residence in Maine under my maiden name.

I assumed (incorrectly) that changing the deed to reflect my married name would be a relatively straight forward process.

I have gotten conflicting opinions and answers looking online, calling title companies, speaking to the city hall and registry of deeds; they are as follows:

1. Do a quitclaim deed. It’s something I can do myself or have an attorney do. I’m wondering

-how difficult these are to do yourself

-what the risk is if something was done incorrectly (given that the warranty deed is in my maiden name either way).

2. Have an attorney and title company create a new warranty deed. With this option:

-has anyone done this and about how much did it cost? is it worth to have the warranty deed over a quitclaim deed if the only thing changing is my legal name?

I've been in banking for 10 years and know little things like a name not matching could cause delays in processes. I am trying to save money, educate myself and make sure all my finances are in order to be as bank ready as possible for my first real estate investment property. I may use my primary residence to take out a HELOC or refinance.

I’m not sure if I’m overthinking this or if this is something that will cause headaches later on.

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Sarah Msuya