If a buyer wants to add their spouse to the contract after it has been signed, what is the best course of action?

The best course of action in this scenario is to sign an amendment at closing. An amendment is a formal document that modifies the terms of an existing contract, including adding or removing parties involved. Since the contract has already been signed, it is both efficient and legally appropriate to document this change.

Using an amendment ensures that both parties are in agreement about the addition of the spouse to the contract, providing clear documentation of the updated agreement. This can reduce confusion and prevent potential disputes about ownership or legal responsibilities related to the contract.

In contrast, drafting a brand new contract may unnecessarily complicate the transaction and could cause delays, as both parties would have to renegotiate and sign a new agreement. Notifying the seller verbally does not create any binding change in the contract and could lead to misunderstandings. Waiting until the next closing is also not advisable, as it does not address the immediate need to modify the current contract and could also delay the process.