Title the House Right the First Time: Why Estate Planning Should Happen Before Closing

Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions most families make, yet many buyers postpone estate planning until after closing.

That delay can create unnecessary cost and risk.

Avoid Double Transfers

Purchasing in your individual name and then transferring into a trust later requires:

• A second deed

• Additional recording fees

• Administrative coordination

Establishing a trust before closing allows you to take title correctly from day one.

Protect Privacy

Property records are public.

When a home is titled in the name of your revocable trust, public records reflect the trust name rather than your individual name. For many families, this offers an added layer of privacy.

Eliminate the Protection Gap

If incapacity or death occurs shortly after purchase, property titled individually may require probate or court involvement.

Property owned by a trust allows a successor trustee to act immediately—without court supervision.

Coordinating With Lenders

Most lenders are accustomed to revocable living trusts.

When coordinated in advance, trust review during underwriting is typically smoother than post-closing title transfers.

Advance planning reduces friction.

Buying a home should not create unintended estate complications.

At Robert Jewett Law, PLLC, we encourage proactive coordination so your estate plan reflects your largest investments from the beginning.