If I Inherited A House, How Do I Put It In My Name?

Inheriting a house typically involves a legal process, and the exact steps can vary depending on:

• where you are located
• and the specifics of the inheritance 

However, here are the steps to take if you’ve inherited a house and want to put it in your name:

• Confirm the Will: If there’s a will that states you’ve inherited the house, the executor of the will typically needs to validate or “probate” it in a court. Once the will is proven valid, the court will give the executor the authority to distribute assets, including transferring the house to your name.
• Letters Testamentary or Letters of Administration: The executor might need to obtain these documents from the probate court, which gives them the legal authority to act on behalf of the deceased.
• Death Certificate: Obtain a copy of the deceased person’s death certificate. This will often be required in legal processes surrounding inheritance.
• New Deed: A new deed transferring the property from the deceased’s name to your name will need to be prepared. This is typically done by a lawyer or a title company. It should describe the property and indicate that you’re the new owner.
• File the Deed: Once the deed is prepared and signed (and notarized if necessary), it should be filed with the county recorder’s office or the local office that handles property records in your jurisdiction. There might be a filing fee.
• Settle Any Taxes: Depending on your location, you might owe inheritance tax, estate tax, or other taxes related to the property. Some places have exemptions or reductions in these taxes for property passed to direct relatives. You’ll need to check the specifics in your jurisdiction.
• Get Insurance: If you’re going to keep the house, you’ll want to ensure it’s properly insured. Contact an insurance agency to get a policy in your name.
• Deal with the Mortgage: If there’s a mortgage on the house, you’ll need to find out if it’s assumable (meaning you can take over the payments) or if you’ll need to refinance it into your name. Some loans have a “due on sale” clause, which means the full amount might be due when ownership changes.
• Utility and Services Transfer: Don’t forget to transfer all utilities and services (like water, electricity, gas, internet, etc.) to your name.
• Consult with Professionals: This is a broad overview, and there might be other specifics or nuances depending on where you are and the specific circumstances of the inheritance. Consulting with professionals like attorneys, tax advisors, and real estate agents can be invaluable to make sure you’re following all laws and best practices.

Remember, the legal process can vary considerably based on your country, state, or jurisdiction. 

Always make sure to familiarize yourself with the local laws or consult an estate planning attorney when inheriting property.

Read More: What Happens To A House When The Owner Dies And There Is No Will?