Can I add my wife to my existing mortgage?

Asked by: Mazie Moore  |  Last update: October 6, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (49 votes)

If you want to add a co-borrower to your mortgage loan, it's not as easy as calling your mortgage company and asking. You can't add a co-borrower without refinancing your mortgage. It allows you to change the terms of your home loan and add or remove names from mortgages.

Can a spouse be added to an 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 put my wife on the mortgage but not the title?

Yes, you can definitely do this as others have stated. The mortgage company just needs to know who is on the deed and that they sign off on having the mortgage (in sure there is more appropriate legalese for this than how I'm staying it but that's the basic idea).

Can I add someone to my mortgage 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.

Is there a penalty for porting a mortgage?

Your mortgage rates, term, amortization, conditions and remaining balance will stay the same after the transferral process. When you port a mortgage, you keep your existing loan with the same lender. Because porting doesn't require you to break your mortgage contract, you won't incur prepayment penalties.

Can You Add Someone to a Mortgage?

44 related questions found

What are the downsides of porting a mortgage?

Limited Flexibility: Porting a mortgage requires you to sell your current home and purchase a new one simultaneously. This lack of flexibility can be a disadvantage if you cannot find a suitable new property within the specified time frame, usually between 30 and 120 days, depending on the lender.

How difficult is it to port a mortgage?

Most mortgages available now are portable, whether they're on a fixed rate or variable rate. But it's important to check with your lender, or the wording in your mortgage agreement. If you have a more specialist mortgage, like a buy-to-let mortgage or shared ownership mortgage, you may find it more difficult to port.

How do I add my wife's name to my mortgage?

Your mortgage loan will most likely need to be fully refinanced. Adding a new person to your mortgage loan changes the loan's terms. You won't be able to change these terms unless a lender creates a new loan for you through a mortgage refinance.

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 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.

What happens if I died and my wife is not on the mortgage?

If your surviving spouse isn't on the mortgage, federal law provides protections allowing them to assume the mortgage and keep the home. This is assuming they (and not someone else) inherit the property. The surviving spouse must also be able to afford the mortgage payments to assume the mortgage.

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.

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.

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

At the time your quitclaim deed is recorded, you will need to pay a filing fee and any reassessed property taxes based on the change in ownership. The filing fee should be minimal, under $100, with most states charging under $50.

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.

What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?

Your mortgage doesn't just disappear when you pass away. If you've bequeathed your home to a beneficiary, they'll inherit the balance on your home loan as well as the property itself. If the lender doesn't receive prompt payment, it can impact your credit score or even lead to foreclosure.

Who loses more financially in a divorce?

How does divorce financially affect women? Generally, women suffer more financially than do men from divorce.

Does it matter whose name is on the mortgage in a divorce?

Does It Matter Whose Name Is on the Mortgage in a Divorce? While the name on the mortgage can influence who is responsible for the debt, it doesn't necessarily dictate how the property is divided.

Can I add someone to my mortgage?

You can formally add them on to your mortgage - the legal process is known as a 'transfer of equity' - or you could remortgage to create a joint mortgage account together.

Can I add someone to my deed without refinancing?

Yes, you can add someone to your property title without including them on the refinanced mortgage loan. When refinancing, you have options to add co-borrowers, co-applicants, guarantors, or simply a title holder.

What are my rights if my name is not on a deed but married?

For a community property in California, it depends upon when and how their spouse acquired the property. The law asserts that all property purchased during the marriage, with income that was earned during the marriage, is community property.

Can I transfer my mortgage to another person?

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.

Which lenders allow mortgage porting?

Bank of America Wells Fargo Chase U.S. Bank PNC Bank First Republic Bank Capital One Quicken Loans Mortgage Porting is the process of transferring your existing mortgage from one property to another. This allows you to keep your current interest rate, term, and other terms and conditions when you move.

How much does it cost to change a mortgage provider?

You may be charged an early repayment charge for leaving your existing lender within the terms of your mortgage deal. This is usually between 1% and 5% of your remaining mortgage cost.