This is my parents home, and I am a real estate attorney. How can I ensure that only my name appears on the listing?
While your parents legally own the house, you, as their real estate attorney, can be the primary point of contact during the sale. Here's why:
Ownership and Paperwork:
- Ownership: The title deed, typically based on tax records, shows your parents as the legal owners. They are the grantors in the sale.
- Paperwork: As the owners, your parents will sign the legal documents for the sale. However, you can be authorized to handle most communication and coordination.
Adding Yourself as the Primary Contact:
- Listing Agent: Inform the listing agent that you'll be the primary point of contact (POC) for all communication regarding the sale. This includes phone calls, scheduling showings, and open houses.
- Showing Instructions: Include your contact information in the instructions provided to agents scheduling showing
- Communication with Buyers: If potential buyers have questions, the agent will direct them to you.
- Title Agent: While they communicate directly with your parents for ownership verification, you can be the primary contact for most updates and coordination.
Remember:
- Legal Documents: While you can manage communication, your parents must still sign the legal closing documents due to their ownership.
- Authorization: Ensure your parents provide written authorization for you to act on their behalf, especially when dealing with sensitive information or decisions.
By following these steps, you can represent your parents effectively in their home sale while respecting their ownership rights.