Do you have to refinance to add spouse to mortgage?

Asked by: Rosamond Stark  |  Last update: July 8, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (23 votes)

You will not be able to add your wife to the mortgage unless you refinance. You can add her to the deed but not the loan.

Can you add someone to the mortgage without refinancing?

Adding a co-borrower requires refinancing.

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 you add a spouse 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 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.

Can you assume someone's mortgage without refinancing?

Generally, no, unless a Federally sponsored assumable mortgage.

Can I refinance my mortgage without my spouse?

40 related questions found

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 are the downsides of assuming a mortgage?

Because the mortgage lender isn't involved and doesn't put the buyer through the underwriting process, it's a much riskier transaction. In practice, it means if the buyer fails to make payments or otherwise breaches the mortgage contract with the lender, both the buyer and seller are liable.

How do I add a partner to my mortgage?

The simplest way to add someone to a mortgage is to approach your existing lender and ask them. In rare cases, lenders will allow you to add additional people to a mortgage although all will have different requirements around doing so.

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.

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.

How do I know if my mortgage is assumable?

To know whether your mortgage is assumable, look for an assumption clause in your mortgage contract. This provision is what allows you to transfer your mortgage to someone else.

Should a married couple put both names on mortgage?

While it's common for married couples to combine financial responsibilities, it might make more sense to only have one spouse's name on your mortgage. For instance, if you have excellent credit but your spouse has poor credit, you may be eligible for a mortgage alone, but not with your spouse as a co-borrower.

Do I have to refinance my mortgage to add my spouse?

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

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.

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.

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 one spouse be removed from mortgage without refinancing?

Yes, it is possible to take sole responsibility for a home that you're currently sharing without refinancing, even if your ex-spouse or another co-borrower or cosigner is currently on the mortgage.

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.

Can my spouse be on the deed but not 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.

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.

How many people can you add to a mortgage?

You can buy a property with up to three other people. This is called a joint mortgage. Most joint mortgages are shared between two people, but some lenders will allow up to four people to buy together. You can take out a joint mortgage whether you are all first time buyers or not.

Do I need a down payment to assume a mortgage?

To assume a loan, you must qualify with the lender. If the price of the house exceeds the remaining mortgage, you must remit a down payment worth the difference between the sale price and the mortgage.

Is it better to assume a mortgage or refinance?

"In the current mortgage interest environment ... it is nearly always better to assume the mortgage rather than refinance," says Julia Rueschemeyer, a Massachusetts-based attorney specializing in divorce mediation. "Refinancing involves thousands of dollars in transaction fees and higher interest rates."

What type of mortgage is not assumable?

Conventional mortgages are not generally assumable. But in most cases, government-backed loans are. You can usually assume a seller's FHA, VA, or USDA mortgage. For most buyers, an assumable FHA loan would be the top pick, as VA and USDA loans have more stringent requirements.