Recording an instrument does not make a transaction legal. Stepbystep guide on how to transfer property to a living trust in California preparing deeds, recording with the county and more.Fill out the preliminary change of ownership report to properly transfer your California real estate into your living trust. Self-Help Info Centers. Self-Help Information Centers provide general assistance to people who do not have an attorney. File a Preliminary Change of Ownership Report simultaneously with the deed at the county recorder's office where the real property is situated. Here are the six steps to transfer your house to your living trust. They're really simple once you know what to do it's a very simple process. This deed should include all information like your name and to whom you want to transfer. From filling out a change of trustee form to delivering notices to interested parties, the process of changing trustees can be complicated.