Can you take over a mortgage without refinancing?

Asked by: Dr. Lennie Marks  |  Last update: November 17, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (33 votes)

With an assumable mortgage, instead of applying for a brand-new loan, you can take over — or “assume” — an existing one. If that loan has a low interest rate, you can sit back and enjoy the perks of having a rate far below what the current market offers.

Can you assume someone's mortgage without refinancing?

Generally, no, unless a Federally sponsored assumable mortgage.

Can you transfer a mortgage to another person 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 take over an existing mortgage?

No, in the US you cannot transfer a mortgage from one property to another. You have to get a new mortgage.

Can you take a name of a mortgage without refinancing?

While refinancing is the most straightforward and obvious way to remove a person from a mortgage, that option isn't always available or optimal. Doing so without refinancing is possible via mortgage assumption, loan modification or even bankruptcy.

Loan Assumption - What You Need To Know Before Assuming a Loan

42 related questions found

Can you buy someone out of a house without refinancing?

It may be possible to take a person's name off your mortgage documents without refinancing. Ask your mortgage lender about loan assumption and loan modification. Either strategy can remove a former co-owner's name from the mortgage.

Can you add someone to a deed without refinancing?

Yes, you can add someone to your property title without including them on the refinanced mortgage loan.

How hard is it to take over someone's mortgage?

To assume a mortgage, your lender has to give you the green light. That means meeting the same requirements that you'd need to meet for a typical mortgage, such as having a good enough credit score and a low debt-to-income (DTI) ratio.

What are the downsides of an assumable mortgage?

As mentioned, lenders must approve an assumable mortgage. If done without approval, sellers run the risk of having to pay the full remaining balance upfront. Sellers also risk buyers missing payments, which can negatively impact the credit score of both the buyer and seller.

How do I transfer a loan to another person?

If your original lender allows you to transfer the loan to another person, that person will need to provide them with information. The new loan holder will have to fill out a new loan application and provide a copy of their credit score. They'll also need a copy of their driver's license and proof of insurance.

How to know if a mortgage is assumable?

Not all mortgages are assumable, but you can tell if you have one by the language in your note and mortgage. You can also find out by speaking to one of our assumption specialists at 1-800-340-0570. If you have an existing assumable mortgage, you may be able to add or remove borrower(s) through an assumption loan.

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.

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.

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.

Is it better to assume a loan or refinance?

Assuming one of these loans, rather than taking out a brand-new mortgage, could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of that loan. Additionally, sellers who can offer loan assumption may have a leg up on others because they can provide that opportunity to lock in low interest rates.

Do banks still offer assumable mortgages?

When interest rates rise, an assumable mortgage is attractive to a buyer who takes on an existing loan with a lower rate. USDA, FHA, and VA loans are assumable when certain criteria are met. The buyer need not be a military member to assume a VA loan. Buyers must still qualify for the mortgage to assume it.

What is the fee to assume a mortgage?

The exact amount of the assumption fee can vary depending on the lender and the specific mortgage being assumed, but it typically falls in the range of 0.5% to 1% of the loan amount. For example, if a mortgage being assumed has an outstanding balance of $300,000, the assumption fee could range from $1,500 to $3,000.

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.

Who is eligible for an assumable mortgage?

Only government-backed mortgages — loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — can qualify as assumable mortgages.

How do I transfer a mortgage to another person?

For an official transfer, you'll need to work with your lender to initiate and complete the process. There are also unofficial transfers, where the original borrower continues paying the loan using funds from the new borrower (and neither party notifies the lender).

How to remove someone from a mortgage without refinancing?

3 ways to remove someone's name from a mortgage without refinancing or selling
  1. Obtain lender approval.
  2. Assume the mortgage.
  3. Declare bankruptcy.

How common are assumable mortgages?

Quick google searches reveal that 60% of homes have mortgages and 23% of those mortgages are assumable (as of May 2024).

Can you put your name on the deed but not the mortgage?

Yes, it is entirely possible for a person's name to be on the deed without being on the mortgage. For starters, a mortgage is only involved if the buyer of the home needed assistance financing their home purchase. There are certainly buyers out there who pay all cash for a home and don't need to take out a mortgage.

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.

What happens to a mortgage when someone dies?

When you pass away, your mortgage doesn't suddenly disappear. Your mortgage lender still needs to be repaid and could foreclose on your home if that doesn't happen. In most cases, the responsibility of the mortgage will be passed to the beneficiary of the home if there is a will.