Can the addendum be electronically signed?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws where adopted. Confirm lender and title company acceptance and whether a notarized wet signature or RON is required for your jurisdiction.

Is notarization required for the addendum?

Not universally. Some title companies or lenders require notarization or a notary acknowledgement to match deed formalities. Check local recorder and lender requirements before closing to avoid funding delays.

What supporting documents should be attached?

Attach certified copies of the document proving the new name: marriage certificate, court order, or entity formation documents. Missing or informal proofs trigger additional verification and can delay title clearance.

What if the lender objects to the name change?

Notify the lender early. They may need to reissue loan paperwork and perform identity checks. Timing matters: lender reissue can affect rate locks and funding schedules.

How do I correct a signed addendum with errors?

Do not use white-out. Prepare a corrected addendum or mutual amendment signed by all parties, and record both the correction and the corrected instrument per title company instruction.

How long should I retain the executed addendum?

Keep the executed addendum with the closing package indefinitely; follow minimum retention rules such as IRS three-year recordkeeping (IRC §6501(a)) and industry-specific longer periods when applicable.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Real estate
Real Estate Buyer Name Change Addendum

Real Estate Buyer Name Change Addendum

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

REAL ESTATE BUYER NAME CHANGE ADDENDUM

Reference

This Addendum is made part of the Purchase Agreement dated between Seller Name: and Buyer Name (as originally shown on the Agreement): .

Property Identification

Property Address Parcel / APN Legal Description

Name Change

Effective as of (the "Effective Date"), the original Buyer Name: shall hereby be changed and recorded for all purposes under the Purchase Agreement to the new Buyer Name: .

Reason for Name Change (check applicable)

Marriage Divorce Court Order Other:

Supporting documentation demonstrating the name change is: Attached to this Addendum To be provided to Escrow/Title prior to closing

Amendment to Purchase Agreement

The parties agree that, except as expressly modified by this Addendum, all terms, covenants and conditions of the Purchase Agreement shall remain in full force and effect. The Buyer identified above (new Buyer Name) shall be substituted for the original Buyer in the Purchase Agreement for all purposes, including but not limited to, execution of closing documents, receipt of notices, and enforcement of obligations.

This name change shall not: (a) alter the purchase price; (b) relieve any party from any obligation or liability accrued prior to the Effective Date; or (c) affect any lender, escrow, title insurance, or third-party requirements unless and until such parties accept documentation effectuating the change. Buyer shall promptly provide any documentation required by the title company, lender, escrow holder or other closing agent to effectuate the name change.

Representations and Warranties

The new Buyer represents and warrants that the new name is the lawful name of Buyer and that there are no other pending claims or matters that would prevent Buyer from performing under the Purchase Agreement under such name. The original Buyer represents and warrants that the change is lawful and that no attempt is being made to avoid liabilities or obligations under the Purchase Agreement.

Indemnity

Buyer hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and hold Seller harmless from and against any and all claims, losses, liabilities, costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) arising from or related to the name change or arising from any failure to provide satisfactory documentation to the title company, escrow agent or lender to effectuate the name change, provided such claims, losses or liabilities do not result from Seller's breach of the Purchase Agreement.

Escrow, Title and Closing

Escrow / Title Company

Buyer shall coordinate with escrow, title and lender to ensure that all closing documents, title policy, beneficiary designations and funds disbursement reflect the new Buyer Name. If additional documentation or endorsements to the title policy are required, Buyer is responsible for timely obtaining same at Buyer's expense.

Notices and Contact Information

New Buyer Contact Address

New Buyer Phone

New Buyer Email

Seller Contact Address

Seller Phone

Seller Email

Miscellaneous

Governing Law: This Addendum shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state in which the Property is located. Venue for any action arising out of this Addendum shall lie in the appropriate court in that state.

Entire Agreement: Except as modified by this Addendum, the Purchase Agreement remains unchanged and in full force and effect. This Addendum, together with the Purchase Agreement, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof.

Counterparts and Electronic Signatures: This Addendum may be executed in counterparts and may be executed by electronic signature, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

Acknowledgments

By signing below, the parties acknowledge and agree that they have read, understand and accept the terms of this Addendum and that the representations and warranties contained herein are true and correct as of the Effective Date.

Buyer (Print Name):

By (Signature):

Date:

Seller (Print Name):

By (Signature):

Date:

What the Real Estate Buyer Name Change Addendum Is

A Real Estate Buyer Name Change Addendum is a short written amendment to an existing purchase agreement that records a change in the buyer's legal name or the buyer entity listed in the contract. Typical reasons include marriage, divorce, court-ordered name changes, or a conveyance to a different legal entity. The addendum clarifies who will take title, links the change to the original contract by reference, and may require supporting documentation such as a marriage certificate, court order, or entity formation papers. It does not replace the purchase contract; it modifies the named buyer only.

Why Use a Buyer Name Change Addendum

Using a formal addendum prevents title defects, ensures lender and insurer records match the closing documents, preserves contingency dates, and reduces the chance of recording rejections or post-closing disputes over ownership and tax reporting.

Who Typically Prepares and Signs This Addendum

The addendum is most often prepared or requested by parties directly handling the closing or title work.

Buyers: Individual or entity that needs the name corrected before closing.
Real estate agents or attorneys: Draft and coordinate signatures and supporting documents.
Title companies and escrow officers: Verify identity, update commitment, and include in closing package.

Each signer and stakeholder should receive a copy; confirm who must sign and whether notarization or lender approval is needed.

Step-by-Step: Completing and Circulating the Addendum

Follow these sequential actions to prepare, execute, and incorporate the addendum into the closing file.

01

Prepare Addendum: Fill fields and attach supporting documentation for the name change.
02

Verify Identity: Title or escrow confirms ID matches supporting documents and new name.
03

Execute Signatures: Obtain signatures from buyer(s) and any required witnesses or notary.
04

Deliver to Title: Provide executed copy to title, lender, seller, and listing agent.

Where the Addendum Goes and Who Receives It

The executed addendum should be distributed to all parties who depend on accurate buyer identification for closing, funding, and recording.

Seller / Listing Agent: Receive a copy so all parties acknowledge the change.
Buyer’s Agent: Retains executed addendum in the buyer’s file for closing.
Title Company / Escrow: Needs the addendum to clear title and update the commitment.
Lender: Must approve name change for loan documents and underwriting.

Customizing an Online Workflow for This Addendum

When building a digital workflow, configure authentication, conditional fields, and notifications to match your title and lender requirements.

Field	Configuration
Authentication	Email plus SMS code for signer verification
Conditional Fields	Show document upload when reason = court order
Signature Order	Buyer signs first, then notary or witness
Notifications	Auto-email title and lender on completion

Technical Requirements for Digital Completion and Sharing

Use a platform that supports standard document formats, audit trails, and appropriate signer authentication for real estate transactions.

File Formats: PDF and DOCX supported
Authentication: Email, SMS code, or stronger KBA
Integrations: Works with title and CRM systems

Security and Compliance Features to Verify

Encryption: TLS 1.2/1.3 in transit; AES-256 at rest

Audit Trail: Capture IP, timestamps, and action history

HIPAA Support: BAA available where applicable

ESIGN / UETA: Meets federal and state e-signature laws

21 CFR Part 11: Controls for FDA-regulated records

SOC / ISO: SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001

Common Preparation Errors to Avoid

Submitting the addendum without matching the original contract name exactly causes title exceptions and delays.
Failing to attach required proof (court order, marriage certificate) leads to lender non-acceptance or additional verification.
Not checking whether your lender requires notarization or specific witness counts can delay funding.
Using informal initials or unsigned copies can render the addendum ineffective at closing.

Risks and Consequences of an Incorrect Addendum

Title Defect: Closing delays or clouds on title

Recording Rejection: County recorder may refuse filing

Lender Refusal: Loan documents rejected or reissued

Tax Reporting: Incorrect 1099/W-2 reporting issues

Escrow Holdbacks: Funds withheld until issue resolved

Legal Dispute: Potential post-closing ownership claims

Timing Considerations and Common Deadlines

Address timing early; the addendum must be accepted and incorporated into closing documents to avoid funding or recording delays.

Before Closing:

Deliver executed addendum to title and lender before funding

Title Commitment:

Request update to commitment after acceptance

Lender Review:

Allow lender time for underwriting and doc changes

Recording:

Recorder processes deed after closing; name must match

Tax Filings:

Update 1099 or other tax records as required

Key Milestones from Request to Closing

Track these sequential stages so the name change does not interrupt the standard closing timeline.

01

Request Submitted

Buyer or agent formally submits addendum and proof

02

Title Verification

Title reviews documentation and updates exceptions

03

Signatures Obtained

Buyer signs and any required notary/witness signs

04

Integration at Closing

Executed addendum included with loan and deed documents

Real-World Examples and Outcomes

These compact examples show how name-change addenda are used in practice and the typical benefits when done correctly.

Case Study 1

A small property buyer needed a name change after marriage and supplied a marriage certificate for verification

Title promptly updated the commitment
The seller accepted the amendment and closing proceeded with no additional title exceptions, avoiding delays that would have re-set closing dates and lender approvals.

Case Study 2

A brokerage processed an entity transfer before closing and attached formation documents

The title company required manager signature verification
Early coordination produced corrected loan documents and prevented escrow holdbacks, enabling on-time funding and recording.

eSignature Platform Pricing: signNow and Alternatives

Compare baseline pricing and common capabilities for popular eSignature platforms. signNow is listed first per standard comparison format.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Envelope Cap	No cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies	Varies	Varies

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about executing, notarizing, and submitting a Real Estate Buyer Name Change Addendum.

Need help? Contact support

Can the addendum be electronically signed?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally valid under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. §7001) and state UETA laws where adopted. Confirm lender and title company acceptance and whether a notarized wet signature or RON is required for your jurisdiction.
Is notarization required for the addendum?
Not universally. Some title companies or lenders require notarization or a notary acknowledgement to match deed formalities. Check local recorder and lender requirements before closing to avoid funding delays.
What supporting documents should be attached?
Attach certified copies of the document proving the new name: marriage certificate, court order, or entity formation documents. Missing or informal proofs trigger additional verification and can delay title clearance.
What if the lender objects to the name change?
Notify the lender early. They may need to reissue loan paperwork and perform identity checks. Timing matters: lender reissue can affect rate locks and funding schedules.
How do I correct a signed addendum with errors?
Do not use white-out. Prepare a corrected addendum or mutual amendment signed by all parties, and record both the correction and the corrected instrument per title company instruction.
How long should I retain the executed addendum?
Keep the executed addendum with the closing package indefinitely; follow minimum retention rules such as IRS three-year recordkeeping (IRC §6501(a)) and industry-specific longer periods when applicable.

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