Deed question

kellyjacky · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 2

My ex-wife and I brought a house in 1999, I am the only one listed as the borrower, and her name is on deed. She went to China in 2000 and I have lost contact with her since then. We never officially married in the United States as we married in China without any official document in 1997. Will I have a clear title when I sell my house?

The Mortgage-Pro · Site Admin Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Posts: 2248

This is a very interesting scenario. If your wife is on the deed she shares ownership with you. You will not be able to sell or transfer ownership without her permission.

In this case you will have to contact a real estate attorney or local title company and see what can be done on your end.

Please come back here and let us know how you transferred the deed in your name.

kellyjacky · Joined: 08 Sep 2005 Posts: 2

Her name is noton the Warranty Deed, only my name is on it. However, her name is on the Deed of Trust like this:

The grantor is Jacky Kelly, joined herein porforma by his wife Jennifer Wu

(Jacky is me). Also, I went on and searched my County Appraisal District web site using the property address, and it only shows my name as the owner.

Will I have any problem when I transfer the title to a buyer?

The Mortgage-Pro · Site Admin Joined: 19 Jan 2005 Posts: 2248

You should contact a local title company or real estate attorney. Every state has there own rules and procedures. They would truly be able to answer your question.