Can I add my spouse to my mortgage without refinancing?

Asked by: Dr. Ryley Bins DDS  |  Last update: October 24, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (14 votes)

Can I add someone to my mortgage without refinancing? You can do that if you want to add someone to your home's title without refinancing. Often, spouses, children, or parents do this together.

Can I add my spouse to my existing mortgage?

The only way to change the names listed on a mortgage is to refinance in the new borrowers' names. If you divorce, for example, you'll need to meet the qualifications to refinance the house in your name alone. If you want to add someone to your mortgage, you'll both need to jointly qualify to refinance the mortgage.

Can I add my spouse to my house title without refinancing?

No, you can not add anyone to a mortgage without refinancing. Exactly why do you want to burden your new wife with a mortgage?

Can you add someone to your house without refinancing?

Adding a person to your mortgage without refinancing can only work if the mortgage is assumable. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans tend to be assumable, but other types may not be.

Can I add someone to my mortgage without remortgaging?

Can you add someone to a mortgage without remortgaging? If you don't want to remortgage, you can ask your lender to add someone on to your current mortgage, assuming they pass all the affordability checks. This is known as 'transfer of equity.

Divorce & Family Home | Refinance, Buyout, Or Sell | Dave Ramsey's Advice

16 related questions found

Does adding a spouse to a deed affect a mortgage?

Can I be on the mortgage and add my spouse to the title? Yes, having both your names on the title won't affect your mortgage or who's responsible for paying it. The person with their name on the mortgage is responsible for the loan, while the name or names on the title are the legal owners of the property.

Can you buy someone out of a house without refinancing?

Typically, removing a name from a mortgage could require you to pay off the loan in full or refinance it with a new loan. But, there are alternatives where you can take over the loan without paying off it off or refinancing. These could include mortgage assumption, loan modification and bankruptcy.

Can you transfer a mortgage to another person without refinancing?

You'll typically only be able to transfer your mortgage if your mortgage is assumable, and most conventional loans aren't. Some exceptions, such as the death of a borrower, may allow for the assumption of a conventional loan. If you don't have an assumable mortgage, refinancing may be a possible option to pursue.

How do I know if my mortgage is assumable?

You'll want to search the mortgage contract for an assumable clause. Look for language that clarifies the status of the mortgage. Even if there isn't a specific clause that states the mortgage is assumable, it may still be. A real estate attorney can help you navigate the paperwork.

How to keep a house in divorce without refinancing?

If you want to keep the house and don't have enough equity to do a cash-out refinance or the money to pay your ex their share, the solution might be a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or home equity loan.

How to put wife name on the house?

You can add your spouse to your home's deed by using a notarized quitclaim deed or adding them to your will.

What are the disadvantages of adding a name to a deed?

THE DANGERS OF ADDING SOMEONE TO THE TITLE OF YOUR REAL ESTATE
  • Loss of Control. ...
  • Legal and Financial Implications. ...
  • Tax Consequences. ...
  • Impact on Estate Planning. ...
  • Potential for Loss. ...
  • Emotional Strain and Relationship Impact. ...
  • Alternatives to Consider. ...
  • Professional Guidance is Essential.

Is it better to be on the mortgage or the deed?

Regarding property ownership, two essential documents are the deed and mortgage. Out of these two, the deed is undoubtedly the most important one. It acts as concrete evidence of your rightful ownership of the property.

How much does it cost to add a spouse to a deed?

All you need to do is have a grant deed prepared, sign it in front of a notary public, and then have it recorded. The cost is usually under $100. However, adding your new spouse to title may not be a straight forward financial decision; and when dealing with your assets there are five things you should consider.

Can my wife be on the title but not the mortgage?

Yes, someone can be on the title and not the mortgage. The two terms “deed” and “title” are often used synonymously. A person whose name is on a house deed has the title to that particular house. The house deed is the physical document that is used to transfer title and thus proves who owns the house.

How to add a name to a deed without refinancing?

You can add him on title by signing a QCD from you as the grantor to you and him as the Grantee. That deed can be recorded in the county public records to reflect the joint ownership. Be sure to check the mortgage to see if you need to notify the lender or get their consent to add him to the title.

What are the downsides of assuming a mortgage?

A disadvantage is when the home's purchase price exceeds the mortgage balance by a significant amount, requiring you to obtain a new mortgage. Depending on your credit profile and current rates, the interest rate may be considerably higher than the assumed loan.

Do you need a down payment to assume a mortgage?

Full Loan Cost May Not Be Covered

When you assume a loan, the mortgage may not cover the cost of the home. This means you may need additional financing or a down payment, along with the payment you make to the seller.

What credit score do you need for an assumable mortgage?

FHA Loan Assumption Requirements

Buyers wishing to assume an FHA mortgage must have a minimum credit score of 620, although buyers with scores above 580 may be eligible with additional restrictions.

Can you assume someone's mortgage without refinancing?

A mortgage that can be transferred to a new owner without the need to refinance means that if something happens in the future, such as an increase in interest rates or other factors affecting affordability, there are no problems with transferring the mortgage over to another person who can continue paying it on time ...

Can I add someone to my mortgage?

You can add or remove a borrower on your mortgage without increasing the amount you've borrowed. This is called a change of borrower or transfer of equity. There is no change to your existing deal and you will not lose any of its current features.

Can I transfer my mortgage to my wife?

You might be able to transfer your mortgage to someone else and allow them to take over the payments without changing the terms. However, your ability to do this can depend on the type of mortgage you have and the other person's creditworthiness.

Can I remove husband from mortgage without refinancing?

There are two ways to remove a divorced partner from a mortgage: obtaining a release of liability from the lender or refinancing the mortgage. A release from liability is easier, but counts on the lender granting permission.

What is it called when you take over someone's mortgage?

An assumable mortgage allows a buyer to assume the rate, repayment period, current principal balance and other terms of the seller's existing mortgage rather than get a brand-new loan.

Can my wife take out a loan without my knowledge?

If such a transaction occurs without permission, the non-consenting spouse can petition the court to void it. This could lead to the lender losing its lien position on the property and becoming an unsecured creditor.