How to Update Your Will After Buying or Selling a Home in Lake Norman

By Tiffany Webber

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Estate Planning

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Last Modified on Mar 01, 2026

Buying or selling a home is one of life’s biggest milestones. Yet, it also fundamentally changes the makeup of your estate. In North Carolina, your will acts as the roadmap for your assets, and a property transaction often means your current estate plan is outdated. You may wonder how to update your will after buying or selling a home in Lake Norman.

Critical Steps to Update Your Will After Buying or Selling a Home

Studies show that as of 2025, only 24 percent of Americans report having a will, with 15 percent responding that the purchase of a home or a significant asset was the reason they created an estate plan.

Not surprisingly, it’s reported that 64 percent of older Americans over 70 have a will. This still leaves a significant number of folks without plans for what happens to their current assets and with no real guidelines for protecting their beneficiaries if their circumstances change.

If you buy or sell real estate in Lake Norman, it’s important to consider how this can impact your future. In North Carolina, it’s important to update your will after a real estate transaction, because a will generally only passes property you own at the time of your death.

If you sell a property specifically named in your will, that gift fails. If you purchase a new home without updating your documents, it may fall into your residuary estate rather than being directed to a specific person.

Key Steps to Update Your Will

To account for your Lake Norman property in your will, it’s important to follow these steps:

• Choose Your Method. You need to decide whether you will prepare an entirely new will or whether you will prepare a codicil. A new will is the most recommended method for major changes, like buying or selling a home. It revokes all prior versions, which typically prevents confusion in probate.

  Alternatively, a codicil is an official amendment that is suitable for minor tweaks. While it can be faster, multiple codicils can create legal ambiguity.

• Formally Execute the Document. In the Tar Heel State, any update must follow the same strict legal standards as the original will, which means it must be in writing, it must be signed by you and witnessed by two disinterested adults, and it should be notarized in order to streamline the probate process later.
• Address the Property Specifically. If you want someone specific to inherit your new Lake Norman home, you should explicitly name the property and the beneficiary in the updated document.
• Review Fiduciaries. A move or a property change is a good time to verify whether your chosen executor is still local and willing to serve as your executor.

Updating your will means your real estate investments are protected, and your beneficiaries are clearly defined based on your current circumstances.

Local Considerations for Lake Norman Residents

It’s always a good idea to meet with a local lawyer to discuss your specific situation, especially if you’ve moved from out of state. If you’ve joined us from another state and have moved to Cornelius, Davidson, or Mooresville, your old will may have some significant issues with compliance in North Carolina. Reach out to a trusted attorney to discuss specific issues.

Also, you should not make any handwritten notes or what may be considered “strikethroughs” on an original printed estate plan document. In North Carolina, these informal changes are not suggested and can even void the entire will. Contact a local lawyer about your will and how to check that it complies with state law.

FAQs

Do I Have to Hire a Lawyer to Update My Will After Buying a Property in North Carolina?

No, you don’t have to hire a lawyer to update your will after buying a property in North Carolina. You can amend it yourself using a codicil or by drafting an entirely new will. However, many people find the process of drafting either complicated, and there is a significant risk that you’ll void your underlying will if you handle it yourself. When you hire a lawyer, they help confirm that it is enforceable and provide dependable assistance.

How Much Does It Usually Cost to Update a Will in Lake Norman, North Carolina?

Each case is unique, and every attorney sets their own attorney’s fees. You can update your own will, but you may encounter some issues with enforceability with your updated will. When you hire a lawyer, they can help you maintain an updated, enforceable, and accurate will. If you’re considering hiring an attorney to update your will, reach out to ask about their fees and what’s included in their legal services.

Do I Need to Hire a Lawyer for a Codicil?

While you are not required to hire a lawyer to create a codicil in North Carolina, it is strongly recommended, so that the amendment is valid and does not inadvertently void your existing will. When you hire a lawyer, they can check for any minor errors in wording or procedures that can lead to invalidation, ambiguity, or execution errors. Contact an attorney about your situation and learn why you may want a new will rather than a codicil.

Why Shouldn’t I Have an Out-of-State Executor Once I’ve Bought Lake Norman Property?

If you move to Lake Norman and keep an out-of-state executor, they may be required to appoint a resident process agent. That means you will also need a local point of contact for legal papers. This can add another layer of complication. If you have a local executor instead, they can easily file paperwork at the Iredell County Clerk of Superior Court without travel expenses or long-distance coordination.

Hire a Will Lawyer From Thomas & Webber Today

To hire a will lawyer in Lake Norman, reach out to Thomas & Webber right away. Locals in Lake Norman and the surrounding communities count on us for their real estate and estate planning needs. We provide personalized solutions for your specific goals. Our attorneys have experience in North Carolina law with everything from complex property closing for homes and businesses to the careful drafting of wills and trusts.

Contact Thomas & Webber for an initial consultation with a dedicated will lawyer.