Can you sell a house if you are on the deed but not the mortgage?

Asked by: Henriette Mraz  |  Last update: February 22, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (64 votes)

Selling a property with your name on the deed but not on the mortgage creates added levels of complexity and requires more collaboration with third parties. However, you can achieve a successful sale with careful planning and the right support.

What happens if you are on the deed and not the mortgage?

In other words, if your name is on the deed, you are tenants-by-the-entireties, and if one of you dies, the other owns the property entirely. If you are not on the mortgage for whatever reason, you are not liable for paying the mortgage loan. That said, you get your spouse's interest in the property if they die.

Can I sell a house if I'm on the deed but not the mortgage?

Yes. You can Sell it, but then during closing any existing mortgage or Leins, taxes, fees etc get deducted by the closing attorney, and the closing attorney writes you a check or transfers the remainder to your account.

What does it mean when your name is on the deed but not the mortgage?

It is generally okay to have two names on title and one on the mortgage. If your name is on the deed but not the mortgage, it means that you are an owner of the home, but are not liable for the mortgage loan and the resulting payments.

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.

Name on title but, not on the loan - can I sell?

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What if my ex is on the deed but not on the mortgage?

What if my Former Spouse is on the Deed but not the Mortgage? If your spouse is on the deed but not the mortgage, they own the house but are not liable for the mortgage loan and the resulting payments.

What are my rights if my name is on a deed?

If Your Name Is On The Deed, You Hold Title to the Property

Taking title usually entitles you to stay in the house, host a barbecue, install flooring, or whatever else you want (unless you have an HOA, of course), and it usually comes as a package deal with your house deed.

Can I sell a house if my name is on the deed?

The person whose name is on the deed is the legal owner of the property. That means that they have the right to make decisions about the property – including selling it.

Can two people be on deed but only one on mortgage?

In the event you opt for two names on the title and only one on the mortgage, both of you are owners. The person who signed the mortgage, however, is the one obligated to pay off the loan.

Are you a homeowner if your name is on the deed?

California's use of grant and quitclaim deeds and its community property laws differ from many other states. While warranty deeds are more common elsewhere, California's community property laws provide that any property acquired during marriage is owned equally by both spouses, regardless of whose name is on the deed.

How do I remove someone from a deed?

If you wish to remove someone from a deed, you will need their consent. This can be done by recording a new deed, which will require their signature. If the person in question is deceased, you will need their death certificate and a notarized affidavit along with the new deed.

Do both people on a mortgage need to agree to sell?

California Law on Co-Owner Mortgages Without Consent

California case law holds that each co-tenant can sell or encumber his own interest in the property without consent from the other co-tenants.

Can I be evicted if my name is on the deed?

It is generally impossible to evict a property owner whose name is on the deed. However, let's say there are unresolved debts, like mortgages or liens. A lender or lienholder may initiate foreclosure proceedings. The property could ultimately disappear as a result of this.

Can someone put your name on a deed without your permission?

And if someone wants to put you on their deed, they must tell you — not surprise you. Otherwise, you could lose the property over a court challenge that you never acknowledged receipt of the deed during the transferor's life.

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.

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

Most property you or your spouse got during your marriage is marital property. If there is a title or deed, it does not matter whose name is on it. It is still marital property unless it was a gift or inheritance. If something is marital property, it is owned by both of you.

What does it mean to be on the deed but not the mortgage?

They are on the deed, and thus have legal title rights to the property. They are not on the mortgage, however, and are technically not liable for paying the mortgage. This is a unique but all too uncommon circumstance, and seeking legal advice regarding financial protections is not a bad idea.

What does it mean if two people are on a deed?

When there are two names on a title deed, it means that there are joint owners of the property and each person owns an equal share of the property. The mortgage does not need to include both names to be valid. Even if the mortgage only lists one spouse, it does not affect the share of the ownership of the property.

Can I sue my ex for not paying the mortgage?

You can take legal action against them for breaching the agreement you both made or seek a court order to force the sale of the property. It's important to consult with a lawyer to understand your legal rights and options and to make the best decisions for your situation.

Can my ex sell the house if my name is on the deed?

However, in a community property state (like California) – and even some states without community property laws – a home purchased during the marriage is considered marital property, regardless of whose name appears on the deed.

Can you be on deed but not title?

The title is the concept of legal ownership while the deed is the document that proves ownership. Moreover, you can't have a valid house deed if you don't hold title.

Who gets the house if both names are on the deed?

39;California is one of only a few states that considers marital property to be communal, meaning it belongs equally to each spouse, regardless as to how the item, asset, or property was actually obtained.

Can my parents put me on the deed to their house?

Adding Children's Names to Your Property. It is very common for parents to put their children's names on their bank accounts, deeds, and other property so that the children can assist their parents with paying bills or managing their finances. It is also quite common as a do-it-yourself estate planning technique.

How much does it cost to remove a name from a deed?

The price to eliminate names from deeds is contingent on many factors like where you live, the legal fees, and the difficulty of the procedure. Generally, it could vary from one hundred to a few thousand dollars. If both parties agree on the removal and there are no legal complications, the cost might be lower.

What happens if you put someone on your deed?

When you add someone to your home's deed, they gain legal ownership rights. If they face financial difficulties, their creditors might place a lien on your property. Moreover, if your child goes through a divorce, their spouse could claim a share of your home.